MCAS Can Easily Be Mistaken For Mental Health Issues

Most people don’t realize just how common MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) is thought to be—1 in 6 people may be living with it. It can easily be mistaken for mental health issues, and can look like this:

• Brain fog mistaken for dissociation, problems with attention or focus, or depression 

• Feeling irritable, tense, or low mood “out of nowhere”

• Overstimulated by loud sounds, smells, bright lights, or textures

• Insomnia or sudden panic waking you up during the night

• Racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or lump in your throat 

• Ongoing fatigue or muscle pain

• Social withdrawal because of  unpredictable symptoms

• Nausea or abdominal pain

• Not seeing improvement in symptoms despite psychiatric medication or psychotherapy

Many MCAS symptoms overlap with those of mental health conditions.

While mental health issues can cause real, physical symptoms—and can even coexist with MCAS—it’s important to understand they’re not the same. 

MCAS is a condition where immune cells known as mast cells become overactive and release excessive amounts of chemicals like histamine into the body, causing many different symptoms (and not just the ones mentioned above). 

MCAS requires a different treatment approach than mental health conditions, which is why many people whose symptoms are actually driven by MCAS don’t improve with psychotherapy or psychiatric medications. 

PMID: 38003876; PMID: 32328892

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as behavioral health or medical advice. It is not intended or implied to supplement or replace treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis from your own qualified healthcare provider.