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Anxiety and Depression in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-A Narrative Review
Daniela Pop1,2, Sorin Claudiu Man1,2, Dorin Farcău2,3
1Third Pediatric Discipline, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania 2 Third Pediatric Department, Emergency Hospital for Children, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania 3 Nursing Discipline, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Insights
Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is linked to psychological factors like anxiety and depression, impacting gut-brain communication. Therapies targeting these psychological issues show promise for managing childhood IBS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Psychology
- Neurogastroenterology
Background:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder in children.
- Psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression, are recognized as potential risk factors for pediatric IBS.
- The gut-brain axis and serotonin signaling play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of both gastrointestinal and psychological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic, pathophysiological, and clinical connections between psychological factors (anxiety, depression) and IBS in children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of psychological therapies for treating IBS in pediatric populations.
- To highlight the long-term impact of childhood psychological events on gastrointestinal health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review examining studies on the links between psychological factors and pediatric IBS.
- Analysis of the role of gut-brain axis dysfunction and serotonin signaling.
- Evaluation of evidence for therapies such as antidepressants, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Main Results:
- Impaired gut-brain communication and altered serotonin signaling are implicated in both IBS and psychological disorders in children.
- Childhood psychological experiences may contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms persisting into adulthood.
- Therapies targeting psychological distress, including CBT and hypnotherapy, demonstrate potential benefits for children with IBS.
Conclusions:
- A significant link exists between psychological factors like anxiety and depression and the development of IBS in children.
- Further research with standardized criteria and outcome measures is necessary to solidify understanding and treatment strategies.
- Addressing psychological comorbidities is essential for comprehensive management of pediatric IBS.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed in children. It has a complex pathophysiology with several potential risk factors, including psychological disorders like anxiety and depression. This paper aimed to find genetic, pathophysiological, and clinical links between psychological factors (mainly anxiety and depression) and IBS in children. Impairment of the gut-brain communication and signalling of serotonin is responsible for both gastrointestinal and psychological disorders. Childhood psychological events seem to be linked to gastrointestinal symptoms not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Evidence of the efficacy of therapies targeting psychological disorders (antidepressant, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy) in children with IBS was evaluated. Further studies that use updated criteria for IBS and uniform questionnaires and outcome measures are needed to draw reliable conclusions regarding the connection between psychological factors and IBS.
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