There are a number of different types of traumatic events (for example, sexual assault, combat exposure, natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents) that can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, one event that has received less attention is anaphylactic shock.
What is Anaphylactic Shock?
Anaphylactic shock (or anaphylaxis) is a severe allergic reaction that can be triggered by a number of different things, including bee stings, certain foods (such as peanuts), or medicines. The allergic reaction often involves a number of symptoms, including a rash or hives, facial swelling, rapid heart rate and low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and a runny nose. In some cases, a person can also experience difficulties breathing due to the swelling of the throat. A severe case of anaphylaxis can result in death.
As you might expect, having such an allergic reaction also often brings about feelings of panic, anxiety, and fears of death. Consequently, an anaphylactic shock could be considered a traumatic event that may lead to PTSD. In order to be diagnosed with PTSD, a person needs to experience an event that meets the following criteria:
- The experience or witnessing of an event where there is the threat of death or serious injury. The event may also involve a threat to a person's physical well-being or the physical well-being of another person.
- A response to the event that involves strong feelings of fear, helplessness or horror.
Looking at what can happen during an anaphylactic shock, there is no doubt that it can meet criteria for a traumatic event that can lead to PTSD.
Anaphylactic Shock and PTSD
One study by researchers at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the University of Plymouth in Plymouth, United Kingdom, looked at PTSD symptoms among 94 people who have experienced anaphylaxis.
They found that over half of people who have experienced anaphylaxis reported high levels of PTSD symptoms, especially avoidance symptoms. In addition, about one tenth of people had symptoms severe enough that they probably would meet criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. In addition to PTSD, the people in this study also said that they suffered from more physical problems, anxiety, social problems, and depression than people who had not ever experienced anaphylactic shock.
Where to Get Help
You can learn more about anaphylactic shock from the About.com Guide to Allergies. In addition, although PTSD from anaphylaxis hasn't really been studied extensively, the treatment for such PTSD would likely be the same as treatment for PTSD from other types of traumatic events. In particular, exposure therapy, especially that which involves exposure to physical symptoms associated with anaphylactic shock, may be helpful in reducing avoidance behaviors and intrusive thoughts about the anaphylactic shock. You can learn more about effective PTSD treatments in this article. You can also find PTSD treatment providers in your area through these resources.
Source:
Chung, M.C., Walsh, A., & Dennis, I. (in press). Trauma exposure characteristics, past traumatic life events, coping strategies, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity among people with anaphylactic shock experience. Comprehensive Psychiatry.
