Brief observation
Psychological Effects of Bed Bug Attacks (Cimex lectularius L.)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.08.010Get rights and content

Abstract

Background

In some individuals, psychological sequelae resulting from bed bug biting events include nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance (to keep the bugs away), insomnia, anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and personal dysfunction. These symptoms are suggestive of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

We used a previously published PTSD checklist to analyze online blogs and other Internet sites where bed bug postings occur to assess postings for evidence of emotional trauma.

Results

One hundred thirty-five postings were read and analyzed, and 110 (81%) of those postings reported psychological effects from bed bug infestations. Scoring with the PTSD checklist revealed a range of 0-52 (mean 13.25; SD 9.38); one met the criteria (≥50) considered positive for PTSD.

Conclusions

Based upon our survey of online postings concerning such effects, an as-yet-to-be-determined proportion of individuals who experience bed bug bites develop moderate-to-severe negative emotional symptoms after infestations. These individuals should be identified in the course of their interactions with health professionals so that appropriate mental health care may be provided.

Section snippets

Methods

In order to generate preliminary data on this issue, we used a previously published PTSD checklist of symptoms based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria4, 10 to survey online blogs and other Internet sites where bed bug postings occur. These sites, Bedbugger.com, Bed bug resource.com, and Insectgeeks.com, were visited daily for 1 month between May 15 and June 15 and postings were scored using the checklist.11, 12, 13 Scores ≥50 were

Discussion

Although this study was limited by a database obtained from spontaneous reporting of bed bug bites, the findings are remarkable in that over 80% of reports included one or more symptom associated with PTSD. Intuitively, the likelihood of fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for PTSD would have been increased had we been able to conduct prospective interactions with those affected. However, this review of self reports and our personal experience suggests that PTSD may develop in susceptible individuals.

Conclusions

Bed bug infestations and associated bites produce a variety of emotional and psychological reactions, some of which may meet criteria for PTSD, although further research is needed to determine to what extent PTSD may occur after attacks by bed bugs. Our findings suggest that all individuals who experience bites should be queried for symptoms of emotional trauma and be offered psychological counseling where indicated. More accurate and available public health information on the biology, ecology,

Acknowledgments

Breanna Lyle helped locate Internet postings describing bed bug bite experiences. Leigh Baldwin Wright helped in the preparation of this manuscript. This article has been approved for publication by the Mississippi Agriculture and Forest Experiment Station, Mississippi State University (No. J-12045).

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Funding: None.

Conflict of Interest: None.

Authorship: Both authors had full access to the data and a direct role in the writing and preparation of the manuscript.

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