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Association between Childhood Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Adulthood
Andreea Sălcudean1, Andreea Georgiana Nan2, Cristina Raluca Bodo3
1Department M2, Discipline of Bioethics, Social & Human Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology George Emil Palade of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania.
Insights
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts quality of life. Early identification and treatment of mental health issues in children with IBD are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, presenting as chronic, immune-mediated gastrointestinal conditions.
- Pediatric IBD diagnoses severely affect children's quality of life, encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being.
- Physical symptoms, growth delays, and treatment side effects (medication, surgery) can lead to poor body image, low self-esteem, and psychosocial challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for integrating mental health services into pediatric IBD management.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of psychiatric distress in children with IBD.
- To underscore the link between mental health and treatment adherence, disease course, and long-term patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the impact of IBD on pediatric mental health.
- Analysis of the relationship between IBD, its treatments, and psychosocial functioning in children.
- Synthesis of evidence supporting the inclusion of psychological support in IBD care.
Main Results:
- Children with IBD face significant risks of psychiatric conditions due to physical symptoms and treatment side effects.
- Growth delays and body image issues are common, impacting self-esteem.
- Psychological distress can impede treatment adherence and worsen disease prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Integrating mental health services into pediatric IBD care is essential for improving patient well-being.
- Addressing psychiatric symptoms early can prevent severe mental health disorders in adulthood.
- Comprehensive IBD management must include psychological support to enhance treatment adherence and reduce long-term morbidity.
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and unspecified inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic, unpredictable and immune-mediated condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In pediatric populations, the diagnosis of a chronic and debilitating pathology significantly reduces quality of life. Children diagnosed with IBD may cope with physical symptoms such as abdominal pain or fatigue, but mental and emotional well-being are also important for preventing and reducing the risk of developing psychiatric conditions. Short stature, growth delay and delayed puberty can contribute to poor body image and low self-esteem. Furthermore, treatment per se can alter psycho-social functioning due to the side effects of medication and surgical procedures such as colostomy. It is essential to acknowledge and treat early signs and symptoms of psychiatric distress in order to prevent the development of serious psychiatric disorders in adult life. The literature underlines the importance of incorporating psychological and mental health services as part of the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosing mental health problems in pediatric patients with IBD can improve their adherence to treatment and pathology course and, consequently, reduce long-term morbidity and mortality.
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