The Society for Endocrinology and the Addison's Disease Self Help Group have jointly issued a press release in which Professor John Wass states:

“We were very concerned to see recent stories in the press indicating that watching scary films could cause shock and death in some people with Addison’s disease.  This statement is not true and we would like to reassure all Addison’s patients and their friends and family.

Addison’s disease is a condition where the adrenal glands stop working so that the body no longer produces enough of certain hormones that are essential for life, affecting the body’s response to stress.  However it can be very successfully treated with daily steroid medication. There is no reason for patients who are currently receiving treatment for Addison’s disease to be alarmed by this story.  People with Addison’s have a normal life expectancy and can lead full and active lives, including taking part in normal sporting activities. People with Addison’s have even been known to go bungee jumping, skydiving and other thrill-seeking activities. They just need to make sure that they carry medication with them, in case they need to take extra.”

We encourage you to read the full press release which can be found either on the Society for Endocrinology website - Press Releases or here: