Mental health and behavior of food-allergic adolescents compared to a healthy matched sample

Few studies have examined the association between food allergy (FA) and emotional and behavioral outcomes. Allergies during infancy have been demonstrated to significantly predict neurodevelopmental scores; in particular, FA has been associated with internalizing problems and social and emotional scores at 18 months of age.1 Other evidence has highlighted anxiety, depression, and social difficulties in children with FA.2–4 FA can affect emotions through direct mechanisms, as effects on the central nervous system from biologic mediators released during allergic reactions, and indirect mechanisms including the stress of coping with FA and managing the fear of potential reactions.