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Psychosocial functioning in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Laura M Mackner1, Wallace V Crandall, Eva M Szigethy
1Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA. MacknerL@chi.osu.edu
Insights
Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face higher risks of behavioral and emotional challenges, including depression and anxiety. Further research is needed to identify at-risk children and develop targeted interventions for pediatric IBD psychosocial functioning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Gastroenterology
- Child Health
Background:
- Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts children's lives.
- Understanding psychosocial functioning is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on psychosocial functioning in pediatric IBD.
- To provide recommendations for future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search conducted.
- Databases searched include MEDLINE and PsychInfo.
- Bibliographies of relevant articles were also reviewed.
Main Results:
- Children with IBD exhibit increased risks for behavioral/emotional issues (depression, anxiety), social functioning deficits, and lower self-esteem compared to healthy peers.
- Research on family dynamics, body image, stress, coping, and eating behaviors in pediatric IBD yields mixed or limited results.
- Clinically significant psychosocial difficulties affect a subset of pediatric IBD patients, mirroring challenges seen in other chronic pediatric illnesses.
Conclusions:
- Limited research hinders identification of children most vulnerable to psychosocial problems.
- Future studies should explore diverse psychosocial outcomes, adolescent-specific issues, and risk factors.
- Development and evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies are essential for improving psychosocial well-being in pediatric IBD.
Background:
The purpose of this article is to review research on psychosocial functioning in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to provide recommendations for future research.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE and PsychInfo computerized databases and bibliographies of relevant articles.
Results:
Compared with healthy children, children with IBD are at greater risk of difficulties behavioral/emotional functioning, particularly depression and anxiety, social functioning, and self-esteem. Conflicting results have been reported for the areas of family dysfunction and body image, and few studies have been published in the areas of stress and coping and eating problems. Psychosocial difficulties are clinically significant in only a subset of those with IBD and are generally similar to those found in other pediatric chronic illnesses.
Conclusions:
The scant existing research limits conclusions about which children are most likely to experience problems. Future research should investigate a range of psychosocial outcomes, including developmentally appropriate outcomes for adolescents, and risk factors for developing problems. Prevention and intervention strategies aimed at improving psychosocial functioning in children with IBD should be developed and evaluated.
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