Association between Childhood Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Adulthood

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.

The Role of Systemic Family Psychotherapy in Glycemic Control for Children with Type 1 Diabetes

“…The problems concerning disease management in children and adolescents with T1DM cannot be addressed without considering the context and environment in which they are identified [30]. The influence of family factors has been highlighted in other chronic disease studies, including diabetes, demonstrating a strong relationship between perceived stress, involvement in solving problems, and adherence to treatment or specialist recommendations [15,31,32].…”

“…Patients with chronic diseases, and the people who take care of them, may suffer from mood disorders that negatively influence their involvement in treatment and the ability to communicate assertively with others [15,16]. Often, these families tend to avoid or limit social interactions due to the limited free time and responsibilities dictated by the treatment routine.…”

Association between Chronic Misophonia-Induced Stress and Gastrointestinal Pathology in Children—A Hypothesis

“…Medical health problems arising from the internalizing process can be affective, including generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and depressed mood; cognitive, including difficulty concentrating and over-focusing on triggers; obsessive, including prevalent or even paranoid ideation about guilt towards themselves and others, as well as avoidance behaviors and coping mechanisms [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]; and somatic, among which digestive tract disorders are relevant [ 42 , 43 ].…”