How to Recognize and Manage the Psychosocial Implications of Having a Food Allergy.

Children with food allergy (FA) and their families are vulnerable to maladaptive coping patterns to managing their FA, often characterized by excessive avoidance and distress. Allergists have an important role in promoting adaptive coping with FA, identifying when anxiety has become excessive, and implementing steps to support reductions in anxiety and distress as a part of patient care in FA management. Allergists can prevent and reduce maladaptive coping with FA by providing anticipatory guidance tailored to the individual to ensure accurate perception of risk associated with their FA and by providing treatments that facilitate increased participation in activities.