Mental health and psychological functioning in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: a comparison with children having other chronic illnesses and with healthy children

Maternal psychiatric disorders in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis

The mothers of 72 children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 44 mothers of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) were given A-SADS interviews. Fifty-one percent of IBD mothers and 41% of cystic fibrosis mothers had a lifetime history of depression. More IBD than CF mothers had a history of suicide gestures or attempts, and were more likely to have a history of obsessive compulsive disorder. However, CF mothers were more likely to have experienced panic attacks.

Mental health and psychosocial functioning in adolescents with congenital heart disease. A comparison between adolescents born with severe heart defect and atrial septal defect

Twenty-six adolescents, aged 13-18 years, with severe congenital heart disease were matched for sex, age and living area with 26 adolescents with repaired atrial septal defect and regarded as physically fit. These two groups were compared according to somatic condition, psychopathology, psychosocial functioning and chronic family difficulties. A higher rate of psychiatric problems in the complex group, an association between psychosocial functioning and physical capacity, as well as an association between psychosocial functioning and chronic family difficulties were observed. These findings suggest that physical capacity is of crucial importance for mental health and functioning of adolescents with congenital heart disease. The association with chronic family difficulties also suggests that a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach is necessary in the treatment and rehabilitation of these patients.

Psychological problems in siblings of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

The mental health of twenty siblings of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was compared with a matched group of siblings of healthy children and adolescents. No significant differences were found as regards general psychopathology or behaviour problems. However, significant differences were found in certain areas, especially with regard to peer relations, mood and reliance. Self-esteem was also lower among the siblings of such IBD patients and they tended towards depression and physiological anxiety symptoms. There was no significant correlation between the degree of severity or the duration of the disease and psychopathology in the siblings. The results show that the mental health of siblings of children and adolescents with IBD may merit the attention of paediatricians.