Over the past few months, Europe has experienced a bed bug epidemic, causing panic among many people. While bed bug bites can cause itchiness, they typically do not cause any other physical health problems. However, the effect they have on people’s mental health can be devastating, causing anxiety, flashbacks, and insomnia in some cases. One interesting phenomenon that has been observed during the bed bug epidemic is psychogenic itching, where a person experiences itching even though there is no dermatological or systemic cause for it.
Dr. Heather Sequeira, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and obsessional behaviors, explains the mind-body connection that causes psychogenic itching. When a person thinks about bed bugs, their brain may activate memories or mental images associated with the discomfort of getting bitten by an insect, leading to neural patterns associated with heightened awareness and increased skin sensations. Dr. Sequeira notes that the more a person fears or feels disgusted by bed bugs, the more likely they are to experience this type of itching.
Dr. Angharad Rudkin, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and intrusive thoughts, explains that for people with an already heightened “threat alert system,” reading about bed bug outbreaks can confirm in their minds that infestation could soon become a reality for them. The experience of psychogenic itching is very normal, but it can be worse for people who have anxiety disorders. Dr. Rudkin also notes that the problem can be compounded at the thought of a person’s bedroom no longer being a place of safety.
Dr. Abigael San, who specializes in cognitive therapy, explains that the itching sensation caused by bed bug infestations is all about imagery. When a person sees an image that is particularly meaningful and carries threatening information, their brain reacts in the same way it would if the thing in the image was actually present. For people who experience trauma or shame related to bed bugs, simply looking at an image of them can provoke strong emotions.
In conclusion, while bed bugs themselves do not usually cause physical health problems, the mental health effects of bed bug infestations can be devastating for some people. Psychogenic itching is a common phenomenon, particularly for those who already have anxiety disorders or heightened threat response systems. Specialists recommend acknowledging the impact of bed bug fears on mental health and seeking treatment if necessary
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