Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Role of dissociation in "false drug allergy"
Teresa Rodriguez-Cano1, Luis Beato-Fernandez, Pedro Galindo-Bonilla
1Ciudad Real Hospital, Spain.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of dissociation on the "false allergy" phenomenon.
Method:
Fifty-five individuals (11 males and 44 females) who consecutively presented for the study of their suspected drug allergy were assessed.
Results:
After the challenge test, false allergy was found in 39.3% and placebo positive response in 12.5% of the patients. Seven patients (12.5%) scored above the cut-off point of 20 on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and 5 out of this group (71.4%) fit in the "false allergy" group. Pathological scores on the DES were associated with the diagnosis of "false allergy" (OR = 9.583, 95% CI = 1.002, 91.621). The effect of age, gender, and other psychopathological variables was controlled.
Conclusions:
High levels of dissociation might predispose to false drug allergy, which could complicate pharmacological treatment and therefore increase the patient's complaints and demands for medical attention.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Dissociative Amnesia
Allergic Drug Reactions
False Memories
One primary source of false memories is misattribution, where individuals incorrectly associate external information with...
Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative Fugue
A hallmark feature of dissociative disorders is the dissociative fugue...
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

