Overview

Australia has the highest rate of allergies and anaphylaxis in the world, particularly when it comes to childhood food allergies. Hospital admissions for food-related anaphylaxis are increasing substantially (Mullins et al., 2022).   

Many individuals are at risk of anaphylaxis, leaving them vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Those who have experienced or witnessed anaphylaxis are also vulnerable to symptoms of trauma. Historically, these people have experienced limited or no psychological support, despite this condition requiring daily vigilance and representing high stress and trauma for many. Food allergies, for example, can be fatal. Yet we must eat, and food is an integral part of family and broader social connection. 

This activity aims to assist you to provide best practice support: to understand what is considered acceptable management of an allergy, and then to work on reducing fear and anxiety whilst maintaining safety and improving wellbeing.  

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Target audience

Psychologists, allied health practitioners, general practitioners, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses.

Resources

• Practice resource companion document for this professional development activity.
• Information sheet for the public, that highlights the signs of food allergy-related anxiety and discusses when support from a psychologist may be beneficial.

Duration of access

Access to this eLearning activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Contributors

This eLearning activity was developed through a collaboration between Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia and the Australian Psychological Society with support from the National Allergy Council. Funding for this project was provided by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this eLearning activity, participants should be able to:

• list common causes of anaphylaxis,

• recognise the mental health impacts of being at risk of, or experiencing, anaphylaxis, key risk periods, and existing gaps in psychological support,

• apply evidence-based support plans for children/caregivers, adolescents, and adults with food allergies and/or anaphylaxis, and 

• identify the link between food allergy/risk of anaphylaxis/experiencing anaphylaxis and disordered eating.