Food Allergy: Psychological Issues
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026 | Viewed by 1224
Special Issue Editor
2. Psychology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Interests: clinical psychology; health psychology; developmental psychology; school psychology; perinatal psychology; psychotherapy; mental health; food allergy; anaphylaxis; quality of life; nutrition; eating; stress disorders; anxiety; depression; bullying; alexithymia; attachment; self-efficacy; children; adolescents; parents; adults
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Food allergy is a major public health concern affecting an increasing number of children and adults. It can result in considerable morbidity, including anaphylaxis. While allergen avoidance and emergency plans remain the cornerstone of food allergy management, accidental ingestions are still relatively common. The burden of adhering to a strict diet, the real fear of life-threatening reactions, the need for constant vigilance and carrying medication, and the restrictions on social life can all have a profound impact on the quality of life and psychological well-being of both patients and caregivers. Psychological problems such as excessive fear and worry can further complicate the management of food allergy and lead to maladaptive coping strategies that further increase stress, such as excessive and non-medically required food and social restrictions. Health professionals must be aware of the risk of psychological difficulties in food allergy in order to help patients and families in developing positive adjustment strategies and effective coping skills. Recognizing when to provide psychoeducational guidance and/or mental health support is also essential.
Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to gather high-quality evidence on the psychological issues that patients with food allergy and their caregivers may encounter, as well as possible resources and interventions. Particular attention will be given to studies exploring the emotional, social, and nutritional implications of food allergy.
Original research, literature reviews, and meta-analyses are all welcome.
Dr. Laura Polloni
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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Keywords
- food allergy
- anaphylaxis
- quality of life
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- eating disorders
- psychological symptoms
- mental health
- coping strategies
- self-efficacy
- psychological support
- psychological intervention
- psychological needs
- children
- adolescents
- parents
- adults
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