Depression and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was carried out to find prevalence and possible relation between decreased quality of life and depression among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aims: Due to possible common biological pathways between inflammation in IBD and depression and due to the high burden of depression on both patient and health care institution, it is important to identify and initiate treatment to improve quality of life, disease outcome and reversed events associated with depression. Methods: 41 patients with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis participated in a questionnaire-based interview. Beck’s depression inventory was used for depression assessment and quality of life. Peripheral blood was collected for analyzing inflammatory and anemia markers. Data was then used for statistical analysis. Results: most patients were clinically free of depression. However, there was a strong correlation between number of exacerbations and depression in patients with Ulcerative Colitis, there was a negative correlation between serum leukocytes and depression, and the use of Mesalazine had a protective effect. Conclusion: inflammation in the gut may provoke depressive phenotype and vice versa. This may be caused by biological, social and psychological factors. Depression may also cause decreased quality of life, why it is necessary to identify these symptoms early and thereby reduce the risk of decreased quality of life.