title: The mental health impact of bed bug infestations: a scoping review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We conducted a scoping review to identify and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the mental health effects associated with bed bugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We employed a five-stage scoping review framework, to systematically identify and review eligible articles. Eligibility criteria included a focus on bed bug infestations and reference to mental health impacts. Descriptive information was then extracted from each article, including the specific mental health effects cited.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An initial search yielded 920 unique articles on the topic of bed bugs. Of these, 261 underwent abstract review, and 167 underwent full-text review. Full-text review and subsequent review of reference lists yielded a final sample of 51 articles. Numerous mental health effects were linked to bed bug infestations, including severe psychiatric symptoms. However, the majority (n = 31) of the articles were commentary papers; only five original research articles were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although significant mental health effects are often linked to bed bugs, such discussions remain largely anecdotal. Despite recognition that the impact of bed bugs constitutes an important public health concern, little empirical evidence currently exists on this topic.
authors: Renison University College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada. rachelle.ashcroft@uwaterloo.ca.
authors: Rachelle
authors: R
authors: Ashcroft
authors: University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
authors: Yukari
authors: Y
authors: Seko
authors: National University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Lai Fong
authors: LF
authors: Chan
authors: University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Dere
authors: Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Canada.
authors: Jaemin
authors: J
authors: Kim
authors: Centre of Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.|University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.|Wellesley Institute, Toronto, Canada.
authors: Kwame
authors: K
authors: McKenzie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001511:Bedbugs; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods; D008603:Mental Health; D011634:Public Health
keywords: Bed bugs; Bedbugs; Infestation; Mental health