Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children: Psychological and Psychiatric Issues

The overlap between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psychiatric disorders has been studied extensively. We reviewed the limited literature targeting the complex relationship between IBD and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Findings from this review were compared with findings from available studies in adults. Results reflecting an association between IBD and psychiatric illnesses were observed in children and adolescents and were consistent with results in adults. In adults with IBD, many studies have reflected the advantages of psychotherapeutic treatment, including faster recovery, improved quality of life, and reduced health care use. Unfortunately, such studies are scarce in the child and adolescent population. Psychopharmacologic studies also are limited in adult and pediatric populations. At this time, the literature on treatment of the pediatric IBD population remains minimal, and the need to study screening and treatment modalities is critical.