When life gets complicated: Food allergy, food insecurity, mental health, and substance use disorder
Department
Allergy and Immunology
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Abstract
Patients seen in allergy-immunology clinics may experience a myriad of socioeconomic problems that intersect with both social determinants of health and allergic and immunologic disease. Although not a primary focus of allergist-immunologist management, all clinicians must be ready and able to express compassion and understanding for patients who struggle with conditions that affect their adherence to recommended therapies. Food allergy in particular can have complex interactions with food insecurity, mental health, and substance use disorder because each of these comorbidities affects allergen avoidance and risk of anaphylaxis. This review outlines key considerations and provides resources to connect patients with needed assistance. Approaching patients who have challenging psychosocial and socioeconomic comorbidities with a willingness to help connect them with needed resources-from primary care providers, counselors, and allergen-aware food banks-can have a positive impact on health and well-being.
First Page
634
Last Page
641
DOI
10.1016/j.anai.2025.05.030
Volume
135
Issue
6
Publication Date
12-1-2025
Publisher
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Medical Subject Headings
Humans; Food Hypersensitivity; Food Insecurity; Mental Health; Substance-Related Disorders; Mental Disorders; Anaphylaxis; Comorbidity
PubMed ID
40466848
Recommended Citation
Gupta, E., Conway, A. E., Kartha, N., Verdi, M., Madan, J., Anagnostou, A., Abrams, E. M., Greenhawt, M., White, A., Mustafa, S. S., Huntley, A. P., Johnson, J. A., & Shaker, M. (2025). When life gets complicated: Food allergy, food insecurity, mental health, and substance use disorder. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 135 (6), 634-641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2025.05.030