The Shared Emotional Themes of Illness and Anaphylaxis

Abstract

In 2000, the developers of medical family therapy (MedFT) discussed 10 emotional themes of illness (ETI) experienced by both individuals and families. The current article aims to apply these 10 ETIs to the lived experience of anaphylaxis to provide counselors providing MedFT with a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of anaphylaxis on individuals and the family system. Additionally, therapeutic suggestions are offered for each theme to guide counselors operating from a MedFT framework in positive resolution of each emotional theme. Specific areas for further clinical exploration include the potential for suicide by anaphylaxis, bullying related to one’s anaphylactic trigger, media minimization of the seriousness of food allergies and anaphylaxis, the utilization of narrative therapy strategies, and collaborative integrative care specific to allergy health-care professionals to better provide individuals and families living with anaphylaxis with biopsychosocial care.