Psychological factors associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Both depression and anxiety are identified as significant experiences in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); whether these are a consequence of the disease or an active contributor to the disease remains controversial. This review aimed to identify and critique recent evidence regarding mental health in IBD. Sources of data: Pubmed (R), Ovid (R), Embase (R), EBSCO PsychInfo and Google-Scholar were searched within the last 5 years (2016-2020). Areas of agreement: Overall, both depression and anxiety affect disease activity, relapse and healthcare utilization. Areas of controversy: There is some controversy on whether depression and anxiety affect IBD outcomes differently depending on IBD subtype. Growing points: The data support the need for depression and anxiety assessment to be incorporated in the routine management of IBD patients; prompt psychiatric and psychological management may ultimately reduce disease activity, relapses and healthcare costs. Areas timely for developing research: More longitudinal research may further enlighten the role of depression and anxiety in IBD. Similarly, randomized controlled trials to investigate and clarify the effect of psychiatric/psychological management on IBD outcomes.

Automated summary

This review examined recent evidence on the impact of depression and anxiety on disease activity, relapse, and healthcare utilization in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting the importance of assessing depression and anxiety in routine management of IBD patients. Developing more longitudinal research and randomized controlled trials will provide further insights into the role of mental health in IBD outcomes.