Chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, and atopic dermatitis not only affect the body but can also significantly impact mental health, according to experts featured in the latest issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
“Allergy and immunology diseases are typically chronic, and with that chronicity comes a psychological burden,” said Dr. Mitchell Grayson, editor-in-chief of Annals. “Physicians often focus solely on diagnosing and treating the condition itself, overlooking the emotional and mental suffering many patients experience. Fear and anxiety are frequent components of allergic diseases and can severely interfere with effective treatment.”
The May issue is dedicated to exploring the intersection of allergy-related illnesses and mental health. It highlights the emotional toll chronic conditions take on patients, and how clinicians can better address these challenges in a clinical setting to improve outcomes.
Psychological Toll of Atopic Dermatitis
One article, titled Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis, outlines the wide-reaching psychological burden associated with the condition. Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) often endure severe itching, sleep disturbances, flare-ups, lifestyle limitations, and social stigma. These challenges contribute to elevated levels of depression and anxiety, which frequently go unaddressed.
The article emphasizes that addressing the mental health aspects of AD is crucial for improving patient quality of life. Medical professionals are encouraged to initiate conversations about mental health, routinely screen for mood disorders, and provide referrals to mental health services when necessary. The authors also call for further research on psychological interventions, particularly for pediatric patients and those already diagnosed with mental health disorders.
A Broader Lens on Childhood Asthma
Another article, Managing Childhood Asthma with an Eye Toward Environmental, Social and Behavioral Features, urges healthcare providers to look beyond medication in asthma care. While asthma treatment often centers around pharmacological solutions, social and environmental factors—such as pollution, housing conditions, and family dynamics—can significantly influence disease progression.
The article advocates for a more holistic, equity-driven approach that incorporates these non-medical elements into care plans. It also introduces practical tools and strategies for clinicians to engage with families in shared decision-making processes that consider behavioral and environmental influences on asthma.
Tackling Food Allergy Anxiety Through Exposure
A third featured article, Want to Help Your Patients with Food Allergy Anxiety? Do Proximity Challenges!, promotes a behavioral technique known as “proximity challenges” to combat food allergy-related anxiety. Inspired by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), proximity challenges involve controlled, in-office exposure to allergy-triggering foods to help desensitize patients and reduce fear.
The piece outlines methods for assessing patient readiness, choosing appropriate challenge levels, and tailoring interventions to individual needs. By incorporating psychological principles into clinical allergy care, providers can help patients build confidence and reduce unnecessary avoidance behaviors.
You Might Be Interested In:
- What You Need to Know About Breaking a Fever
- 7 Common Early Flu Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs Early
- Is It Safe to Take Cold Medicine While Breast-Feeding?
