Psychological problems in siblings of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

The mental health of twenty siblings of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was compared with a matched group of siblings of healthy children and adolescents. No significant differences were found as regards general psychopathology or behaviour problems. However, significant differences were found in certain areas, especially with regard to peer relations, mood and reliance. Self-esteem was also lower among the siblings of such IBD patients and they tended towards depression and physiological anxiety symptoms. There was no significant correlation between the degree of severity or the duration of the disease and psychopathology in the siblings. The results show that the mental health of siblings of children and adolescents with IBD may merit the attention of paediatricians.