Anaphylaxis is the most severe clinical presentation of an allergic reaction and can impact various body systems. It can be unpredictable and there is a risk that if not treated appropriately it can be fatal. There is some evidence to suggest that anaphylaxis can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder either for the individual who has had anaphylaxis or caregivers. Despite the significant possible psychological impacts there is limited support.

Part one of this portfolio presents a quantitative synthesis of research into the traumatic impact of directly experiencing anaphylaxis or being a caregiver to a child who has had anaphylaxis. This review looks to answer four questions: what trauma measures are used in these studies, what risk or protective factor are associated with developing trauma symptoms following anaphylaxis, what proportion of individuals who have had anaphylaxis (or are a caregiver) subsequently experienced trauma symptoms and do the rates differ compared to controls. Findings suggest some initial evidence that a proportion of individuals experience trauma symptoms following anaphylaxis with rates ranging from 12-41.1% in adults and 14.6-56.9% in caregivers. Only one study provided information on the number of children with trauma symptoms after anaphylaxis, highlighting this was 22.6%. Part two of this portfolio presents an empirical study that explored the experiences of parents whose child has had anaphylaxis using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This highlighted the significant emotional impact for parents including feelings of fear and guilt, lasting anxiety and symptoms of trauma. It was highlighted that support following this event would be helpful but was not often received.

 Both parts of this thesis aim to provide insight and awareness into the experience of either having anaphylaxis or being a caregiver of a child who has and the need for support following this. This thesis provides clinical and research implications with the hope that this could help to improve the care for people following anaphylaxis.