Can allergies also have psychological effects?
October 15, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Björn Otten and I have been suffering from various allergies for some time, including hay fever and food allergies. Lately, however, I have noticed that my symptoms are not only physical, but also psychologically distressing. I often feel tired, irritable and down, which negatively impacts my quality of life.
I am concerned that my allergies may also have psychological effects. Is it possible that my physical symptoms may also affect my mood and lead to mental health issues? Is there a connection between allergies and psychological symptoms?
I have already tried various treatment options for my allergies, including antihistamines and allergen-specific immunotherapy. Unfortunately, these measures have not improved my psychological symptoms.
What further steps would you recommend to alleviate my allergy symptoms and possibly improve my mental health? Are there specific therapies or medications that can address both my physical and psychological complaints?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and recommendations on this matter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Björn Otten
Dear Björn Otten,
Thank you for your detailed description of your situation. I am sorry to hear that you suffer from various allergies and also notice psychological symptoms that affect your well-being. It is indeed known that allergies can cause not only physical complaints but also psychological symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and low mood. This connection between allergies and psychological problems is referred to as the "allergy-psyche connection."
There are several mechanisms through which allergies can influence mental health. On one hand, the physical complaints and chronic inflammation associated with allergies can strain the body and lead to exhaustion and sleep disturbances. On the other hand, biochemical processes in the brain can be affected by allergic reactions, which in turn can lead to mood swings and other psychological symptoms.
In terms of treatment options, it is important that your allergy symptoms are adequately controlled to improve your mental health. In addition to the measures you have already tried such as antihistamines and immunotherapy, there are other therapeutic approaches that can help with both physical and psychological complaints.
One option could be treatment with psychotropic medications that can specifically target allergy-related psychological symptoms. Antidepressants or anxiolytics can be prescribed to alleviate anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances caused by allergies.
Furthermore, psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques can also be helpful in coping with the psychological stress caused by your allergies.
It is important that you work with an experienced allergist and/or psychiatrist to receive an individually tailored treatment that takes into account both your physical and psychological complaints. Do not hesitate to openly discuss your symptoms and concerns so that you can receive the best possible support.
I hope that my recommendations are helpful and contribute to improving your quality of life. Please feel free to ask any further questions or schedule a personal consultation. I am here to assist you on your journey towards holistic treatment.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann
