Axis 5: Mast-Cell / Immune Stress Reactivity in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Week 7 of my 12-week Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Biology series.

Mast cells are highly stress-responsive immune cells.

When GABA-mediated inhibition is unstable, stress signaling can lower mast-cell activation thresholds, increasing immune reactivity.

Common expressions of Axis 5 include:

• Flushing, itching, rashes

• Food or environmental sensitivities

• Throat or chest tightness

• Histamine-mediated reactions

Axis 5 represents mast-cell / immune stress reactivity — not primary allergy.

In some individuals, this pattern overlaps with MCAS-like presentations, while in others it reflects stress-driven immune activation without formal MCAS.

Axis 5 frequently overlaps with Axis 2 (excitatory–neuroinflammatory) and Axis 3 (autonomic) patterns.