Global Availability and Uptake of Psychological Services for Adults with
Food Allergy
Abstract
Background. Food allergy (FA) is associated with poor quality
of life and high levels of psychological distress. Psychological support
is therefore extremely important but is not always available. As part of
the Global Access to Psychological Services for Food Allergy (GAPS)
Study, we aimed to assess distress and use of psychological services for
adults with food allergy. Methods. Participants (n=1329 adults
with FA) from >20 countries were recruited through patient
organisations, social media adverts and online survey panels to complete
an online survey. Surveys were offered in six languages.
Results. A total of 67.7% of adults reported they had
experienced FA-related psychological distress with the biggest issue
being anxiety about having an allergic reaction (64.1%). Only 19.4%
had been assessed for FA-related psychological distress; 22.9% had seen
a mental health professional for treatment for their FA-related
distress. There were significant differences across countries for levels
of distress, screening for distress, seeing a mental health professional
and being diagnosed with a FA-related mental health disorder (all
p<0.001). The UK and Brazil had the highest number of adults
reporting distress. The biggest barriers to seeing a mental health
professional were cost, lack of insurance coverage, failure to provide a
referral, and lack of practitioner in the area. Conclusions.
FA-related distress is common in adults. Few have accessed the
psychological care and support they need and there is significant
variability across countries. Clinicians should consider routine
assessment of adults for distress and easily accessible resources are
needed to help support adult patients.