Psychological Effects of Bed Bugs

Posted on January 9, 2012 with No Comments

A study was conducted by the Mississippi State University regarding the psychological effects  that bed bugs can cause.  The study says that in some individuals the psychological effects resulting from having bed bugs 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).

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 FROM THE STUDY:

Based upon the survey conducted 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.

ON A SIDE NOTE:

People who are suffering with bed bugs often go weeks without sleep. Breaking the normal sleep pattern one or two nights in a row is easily recoverable but going weeks without a proper rest can wreak havoc on even the most level-headed individual.