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

Feasibility and Caregiver Receptiveness to Anxiety Screening in Pediatric Cardiology Clinic: A Pilot Study

Children with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, have increased susceptibility to behavioral health concerns. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and parental opinion of anxiety screening in pediatric cardiology clinic. The PROMIS Pediatric Anxiety v2.0 Short Form 8a (PA2-S8) questionnaire was administered to 48 patients presenting to pediatric cardiology clinic for follow-up care. Parents/caregivers were asked their opinion on anxiety screening in cardiology clinic. The survey was completed by 47 out of 48 participants (median age 13, range 9-17). Fourteen (30%) participants had scores suggestive of increased anxiety symptomatology. No trends were identified between PA2-S8 score and age at diagnosis (P = .13), age at survey administration (P = .28), number of lifetime procedures (P = .89), number of noncardiac specialists (P = .13), or underlying cardiac diagnoses (P = .55). Most families (76%) were in favor of the screening effort. This study suggests that anxiety screening in cardiology clinic is both feasible and well-received by families.

Self-evaluation and depression in adolescents with a chronic illness: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review to establish what is known about the relationship between depression and self-evaluation in adolescents with a chronic illness.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and hand-searching. We sought to identify primary research that examined both the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between depression and self-evaluation in adolescents with chronic illness. The search resulted in 8941 retrieved articles that were screened against an inclusion criteria. A total of 4 papers were included in the review. The MMAT used to assess study methodological quality.

RESULTS

A narrative synthesis was conducted, and a summary figure was included. These 4 studies included 236 adolescents aged 9-18 years with depression and either Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), chronic pain, headaches, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The limited existing evidence indicated that that depression was associated with negative self-evaluation in adolescents in some but not all chronic illnesses investigated to date. We also found some evidence that psychological intervention can help to improve self-evaluation, specifically in adolescents with T1D.

CONCLUSIONS

More robust studies of the association between self-evaluation and depression in adolescents with a chronic illness is needed, with attention to the nuances of differences between chronic illnesses. The existing evidence indicates that there may be a stronger association in some chronic illnesses. Pilot data suggest that specific psychological therapies may improve self-evaluation, although much more extensive evaluation is needed.

Gastrointestinal Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: Preparing for a Smooth Transition to Adult-Centered Care

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent in youth worldwide. The chronicity of these conditions often results in their persistence into adulthood. Challenges typically faced by young people transitioning to adulthood are often exacerbated in those with chronic gastrointestinal disease. Increased awareness of these challenges among health care professionals and appropriate policies and procedures for health care transition are critical. This article summarizes research on the challenges faced by emerging adults with the gastrointestinal disease during the transition to adult care. Barriers to optimal transitional care and current guidelines are discussed and used to offer practical recommendations for health care professionals working with this population.

Psychiatric comorbidity in childhood onset immune-mediated diseases-A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To estimate psychiatric comorbidity in childhood onset immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID).

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered at Prospero (ID: CRD42021233890). Literature was searched in PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase. Original papers on prevalence rates of diagnosed psychiatric disorders and/or suicide in paediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD), rheumatic diseases (RD) and autoimmune liver diseases were selected. Pooled prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders (grouped according to ICD-10 criteria) within the various IMID were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included; 13 describing psychiatric disorders in pIBD and 10 in RD. Anxiety and mood disorders were mostly investigated with pooled prevalence rates in pIBD of 6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4%-9%) and 4% (95%CI: 2%-8%), respectively, in register-based studies, and 33% (95%CI: 25%-41%) and 18% (95%CI: 12%-26%), respectively, in studies using psychiatric assessment. In RD, rates were 13% (95%CI: 12%-15%) for anxiety disorders and 20% (95%CI: 15%-26%) for mood disorders based on psychiatric assessment.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety and depression are commonly reported in childhood onset IMID. Physicians should be attentive to mental health problems in these patients as they seem overlooked.

Hyaluronan: A Neuroimmune Modulator in the Microbiota-Gut Axis

The commensal microbiota plays a fundamental role in maintaining host gut homeostasis by controlling several metabolic, neuronal and immune functions. Conversely, changes in the gut microenvironment may alter the saprophytic microbial community and function, hampering the positive relationship with the host. In this bidirectional interplay between the gut microbiota and the host, hyaluronan (HA), an unbranched glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix, has a multifaceted role. HA is fundamental for bacterial metabolism and influences bacterial adhesiveness to the mucosal layer and diffusion across the epithelial barrier. In the host, HA may be produced and distributed in different cellular components within the gut microenvironment, playing a role in the modulation of immune and neuronal responses. This review covers the more recent studies highlighting the relevance of HA as a putative modulator of the communication between luminal bacteria and the host gut neuro-immune axis both in health and disease conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Impact of Microbial Metabolites on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The complex bidirectional communication system existing between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain initially termed the "gut-brain axis" and renamed the "microbiota-gut-brain axis", considering the pivotal role of gut microbiota in sustaining local and systemic homeostasis, has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The integration of signals deriving from the host neuronal, immune, and endocrine systems with signals deriving from the microbiota may influence the development of the local inflammatory injury and impacts also more distal brain regions, underlying the psychophysiological vulnerability of IBD patients. Mood disorders and increased response to stress are frequently associated with IBD and may affect the disease recurrence and severity, thus requiring an appropriate therapeutic approach in addition to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. This review highlights the more recent evidence suggesting that alterations of the microbiota-gut-brain bidirectional communication axis may concur to IBD pathogenesis and sustain the development of both local and CNS symptoms. The participation of the main microbial-derived metabolites, also defined as "postbiotics", such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and tryptophan metabolites in the development of IBD-associated gut and brain dysfunction will be discussed. The last section covers a critical evaluation of the main clinical evidence pointing to the microbiome-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IBD-related gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Mental health is the health of the whole body: How psychoneuroimmunology & health psychology can inform & improve treatment

BACKGROUND

Converging and accumulating evidence for the cross-communication among the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, a field of study known as psychoneuroimmunology, implicates immunological dysfunction as a shared and common mechanism of both mental and physical illness. For example, psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and anxiety disorders have higher prevalence rates across a spectrum of autoimmune conditions compared to the general population. Additionally, subclinical immunological abnormalities are observed in a variety of psychiatric conditions, with chronic inflammation most extensively studied in the pathophysiology of depression. These observations blur the historical distinctions between mental and physical illness, yet clinical practice remains fragmented and primarily focused on differentially treating individual symptoms.

PROPOSED THESIS

Therapeutically targeting inflammation offers translational opportunities for integrating mental and physical healthcare, a key niche of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing a psychoneuroimmunological lens, health psychologists and clinicians can reconceptualize healthcare through integrative treatment approaches and advocacy for comprehensive policy-level reform at both the individual-level of care as well as community-wide prevention approaches.

Qualitative research to explore the symptoms and impacts experienced by children with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that often presents during one's most productive years and is characterized by colon inflammation. Key symptoms and impacts in adults are well-known, however, experiences among pediatric populations have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to understand the health-related quality of life and symptomatic experience of children (2-11 years) living with UC.

METHODS

Qualitative, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. Children aged 5-11 years were interviewed, as well as their parents/caregivers in matched dyads. Parents/caregivers of children aged2-4 years were interviewed within a parent/caregiver-only cohort. All participants were recruited from the United States. Interviews were coded using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Key symptoms and impacts reflecting the lived experience of UC were identified following thematic analysis, generating a conceptual model. A total of 32 participants (20 parents/caregivers and 12 children) were interviewed. Results identified a substantial burden of UC in children. All children and parents/caregivers reported that they/their child experienced stomach/abdominal pain. Other symptoms discussed by over 75% were blood in stool, diarrhea/loose stools, stool urgency, incomplete evacuation, stool frequency, and feeling gassy/passing gas. The most frequently discussed impacts by over 75% of participants were on emotional and practical aspects, seriously affecting quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative analysis of the interviews identified a substantial burden of UC on children, with a profound impact on their lives. The symptomatic experience is reflective of adults and adolescents. A high level of agreement between parents/caregivers and children was demonstrated regarding the perception of the presence or absence of symptoms. Children aged 8-11 years showed higher levels of agreement with parents/caregivers than did younger children, indicating appropriateness of self-report of symptom data in the 8-11 years age group.

A murine model of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease causes microbiota-gut-brain axis deficits in adulthood

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic intestinal diseases, frequently associated with comorbid psychological and cognitive deficits. These neuropsychiatric effects include anxiety, depression, and memory impairments that can be seen both during active disease and following remission and are more frequently seen in pediatric patients. The mechanism(s) through which these extraintestinal deficits develop remain unknown, and the study of these phenomenon is hampered by a lack of murine pediatric IBD models. Herein we describe microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis deficits following induction of colitis in a pediatric setting. Acute colitis was induced by administration of 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days starting at weaning [postnatal day (P)21] causing reduced weight gain, colonic shortening, and colonic inflammation by 8 days post-DSS (P29), which were mostly resolved in adult (P56) mice. Despite resolution of acute disease, cognitive deficits (novel object recognition task) and anxiety-like behavior (light/dark box) were identified in the absence of changes in exploratory behavior (open field test) in P56 mice previously treated with DSS at weaning. Behavioral deficits were found in conjunction with neuroinflammation, decreased neurogenesis, and altered expression of pattern recognition receptor genes in the hippocampus. Additionally, persistent alterations in the gut microbiota composition were observed at P56, including reduced butyrate-producing species. Taken together, these results describe for the first time the presence of MGB axis deficits following induction of colitis at weaning, which persist in adulthood.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we describe long-lasting impacts on the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis following administration of low-dose dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to weaning mice (P21), including gut dysbiosis, colonic inflammation, and brain/behavioral deficits in adulthood (P56). Early-life DSS leads to acute colonic inflammation, similar to adult mice; however, it results in long-lasting deficits in the MGB axis in adulthood (P56), in contrast to the transient deficits seen in adult DSS. This model highlights the unique features of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Risk models for predicting the health-related quality of life of caregivers of youth with gastrointestinal concerns

PURPOSE

To determine the usefulness of cumulative and additive risk models in predicting the healthy-related quality of life (HRQOL) of caregivers of youth with chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

METHODS

203 caregivers (82.8% mothers; 77.3% white) of youth (M = 11.27 years; 44.3% female; 78.8% White) completed self-report questionnaires focused on potential environmental, child health, and family risk factors that could impact caregiver HRQOL. Cumulative risk models, evaluating overall combined risk level, as well as an additive risk model, exploring individual risk variables, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Higher levels of cumulative risk were associated with poorer caregiver HRQOL after controlling for child and caregiver sex. A linear cumulative risk model was a better fit than a quadratic cumulative risk model for predicting caregiver HRQOL, while an additive model identified child HRQOL, child pain interference and family functioning as the most individually impactful risk variables.

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates the usefulness of both additive and cumulative risk approaches in identifying caregivers at risk for poor HRQOL. Provision of appropriate referrals and interventions based on the caregiver's risk factors can help protect caregiver quality of life and, in turn, benefit the care children with chronic conditions receive at home.

Systematic Review: Anxiety in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions

OBJECTIVE

Youth with chronic medical conditions (CMCs) have been reported to be at increased risk for developing anxiety disorders. Importantly, suffering from anxiety may also have an impact on their disease-related outcomes. This study set out to systematically review the literature on anxiety and seven CMCs (asthma, congenital heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and sickle cell disease) among youth.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Searches were conducted across PubMed, PsycNET, Embase, and reference lists of the included studies (1990-2018). Three independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and conducted full-text assessment. Studies were included if they reported the prevalence of anxiety or the association of anxiety on disease-related outcomes in children and/or adolescents with the focal CMCs.

RESULTS

A total of 53 studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Across the CMCs, the prevalence of anxiety disorder was increased in youths with CMCs compared to the general population. Evidence for a relationship between anxiety and adverse disease-related outcomes was limited. For asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and sickle cell disease, there was some evidence indicating that anxiety was associated with adverse outcomes; supported by two longitudinal studies, one in asthma and one in inflammatory bowel disease. For diabetes, results were inconsistent; with some studies indicating that anxiety was associated with worse and others with better treatment adherence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in youth with CMCs is higher than that in the general population. Anxiety may also be associated with adverse disease-related outcomes for youths, but it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions. Longitudinal studies making use of parent/youth composite anxiety measures and a combination of parent/youth reported and objective measures of disease-related outcomes are needed. Given the burden of disease of anxiety disorders, regardless of the impact on the disease outcomes, screening for and treatment of anxiety is recommended in youths with CMCs.

Effects of Childhood-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease on School Performance: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study Using Swedish Health and Educational Registers

BACKGROUND

Childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) might negatively impact academic school performance. We conducted a nationwide study to examine the association between childhood-onset IBD and school results.

METHODS

Our study population was selected from Swedish health registers. In the National Patient Register (1990 to 2013), we identified 2827 children with IBD: Crohn's disease (CD), n = 1207, and ulcerative colitis (UC), n = 1370. Patients were matched with 10 reference individuals by age, sex, birth year, and place of residence (n = 28,235). Final compulsory school grades (0 to 320 grade points) and qualification for high school (yes or no) were obtained through the National School Register. Regression models controlling for socioeconomic factors were used to analyze the association of IBD with school performance.

RESULTS

Children with IBD had a lower final grade point average (adjusted mean grade difference [AMGD] -4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] -7.1 to -2.6) but not a significantly higher risk to not qualify for high school (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, CI 0.99-1.31). The results were similar in children with UC (AMGD -5.5, CI -8.7 to -2.3) and CD (AMGD -4.7, CI -8.2 to -1.2). Underperformance was more common in subsets of IBD children characterized by markers associated with long-standing active disease (eg, >30 inpatient days [AMGD-18.1, CI -25.8 to -10.4]).

CONCLUSION

Most children with IBD achieve comparable results in the final year of compulsory school as their healthy peers. Care should be improved for the subgroup of children for which IBD has a stronger negative impact on school performance.

Psychological Comorbidities in Childhood Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Mental health disorders comorbid to chronic illness are associated with higher medical care utilization and costs for adults and children. Celiac disease (CD) has a substantial perceived treatment burden and is associated with higher rates of psychopathology in adults. However, establishing the risk for psychological comorbidities in children with CD is still needed. This study aimed to review existing research on mental health concerns in pediatric CD and propose an initial psychosocial research and clinical agenda.

METHODS

Databases, including Scopus and PubMed. Additional publications were accessed and reviewed from the references provided by initially identified publications. Two investigators screened studies using predetermined criteria (peer-reviewed, published in English, electronically available, inclusive of child participants, and examining CD). One investigator initially extracted data, with subsequent review by the second investigator.

RESULTS

Twenty-six publications met criteria for the current review (16 case-control, 9 observational, and 1 clinical trial). Publications were heterogeneous in symptoms examined, methodology, and population characteristics. Several studies found elevated risk for psychological comorbidities and poorer quality of life in children with CD. However, many studies were limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent or nonvalidated approaches to measuring psychological symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Many existing studies have found increased prevalence of comorbid CD and psychological symptoms or diagnoses. Therefore, screening for psychological symptoms in CD and also screening for CD in psychological clinic populations is needed. We have identified the importance for further study of mechanisms and risk, and identify preliminary priorities for psychosocial research and clinical care in pediatric CD.

Phase I of the Detecting and Evaluating Childhood Anxiety and Depression Effectively in Subspecialties (DECADES) Study: Development of an Integrated Mental Health Care Model for Pediatric Gastroenterology

BACKGROUND

Children with gastrointestinal symptoms have a very high rate of anxiety and depression. Rapid identification of comorbid anxiety and depression is essential for effective treatment of a wide variety of functional gastrointestinal disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to determine patient and parent attitudes toward depression, anxiety, and mental health screening during gastroenterology (GI) visits and to determine patient and parent preferences for communication of results and referral to mental health providers after a positive screen.

METHODS

We augmented standard qualitative group session methods with patient-centered design methods to assess patient and parent preferences. We used a variety of specific design methods in these sessions, including card sorting, projective methods, experience mapping, and constructive methods.

RESULTS

Overall, 11 families (11 patients and 14 parents) participated in 2 group sessions. Overall, patients and their parents found integrated mental health care to be acceptable in the subspecialty setting. Patients' primary concerns were for the privacy and confidentiality of their screening results. Patients and their parents emphasized the importance of mental health services not interfering with the GI visit and collaboration between the GI physician, psychologist, and primary care provider.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and their families are open to integrated mental health care in the pediatric subspecialty clinic. The next phase of the DECADES study will translate patient and parent preferences into an integrated mental health care system and test its efficacy in the pediatric GI office.

Psychological wellbeing and physical activity in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy controls

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report impairments in daily activities, social interactions and coping. Findings regarding psychological functioning are inconsistent, while limited information is available on objectively assessed physical activity (PA). The aims of the present study were therefore to compare anthropometric dimensions, blood values, psychological functioning and PA of children and adolescents with IBD with healthy controls.

METHODS

Forty-seven children and adolescents took part in the study. Of these, 23 were diagnosed with IBD (mean age: 13.88 years, 44% females). The IBD group was divided into a medically well adjusted "remission-group" (n = 14; IBD-RE) and a group with an "active state" of disease (n = 8; IBD-AD). Healthy controls (n = 24; HC) were age- and gender-matched. Participants' anthropometric data, blood values and objective PA were assessed. Further, participants completed questionnaires covering socio-demographic data and psychological functioning.

RESULTS

Participants with IBD-AD showed higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) values, haemoglobin, and leukocyte values. IBD-AD had poorer psychological functioning and lower PA (average steps per day) compared to IBD-RE and HC. No mean differences were found between IBD-RE and HC.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of results suggests that effective medical treatment of IBD in children and adolescents is associated with favorable physiological parameters, psychological dimensions and PA. Psychological counselling of children and adolescents in an active state of IBD seem to be advised in addition to standard treatment schedules.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT NCT02264275 ; Registered 8 October 2014.

Effect of Psychotherapy on Health Care Utilization in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Depression

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of developing depression compared with community controls. Depression often negatively influences illness behaviors such as resource utilization. We sought to investigate the effects of treating depression on utilization of medical resources in depressed pediatric patients with IBD by comparing rates of health care utilization 1 year before and after psychotherapy.

METHOD

Two hundred seventeen subjects ages 9 to 17 years with IBD and depression received 3 months of psychotherapy for depression as part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Of these 217 subjects, 70 had utilization data available 1 year prior and 1 year after receiving 3 months of psychotherapy. Primary outcomes included frequency of hospitalizations, inpatient hospital days, outpatient gastrointestinal visits, and number of emergency room visits, radiological examinations, and endoscopies. Within subject analyses were completed comparing health care utilization 12 months before psychotherapy compared with the 12 months after the conclusion of psychotherapy.

RESULTS

Fifty-one and 19 patients had CD and UC, respectively. A total of 55.7% of patients had major depression and 44.3% had minor depression. Overall, all study measures of health care utilization were significantly reduced after psychotherapy (P < 0.01)-including gastrointestinal-related (mean values) hospitalization frequency, inpatient days, outpatient visit, emergency room visits, radiological examinations, and endoscopies.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotherapy for comorbid depression in pediatric patients with IBD is associated with decreased GI-related health care utilization. The present study highlights the importance of screening for depression in a pediatric population with IBD, and that psychotherapy may be a reasonable adjunctive treatment for pediatric patients with IBD and comorbid depression.

Effects of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention Trial to Improve Disease Outcomes in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Studies testing the efficacy of behavioral interventions to modify psychosocial sequelae of inflammatory bowel disease in children are limited. This report presents outcomes through a 6-month follow-up from a large randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral intervention for children with inflammatory bowel disease and their parents.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-five children aged 8 to 17 years with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and their parents were randomized to one of two 3-session conditions: (1) a social learning and cognitive behavioral therapy condition or (2) an education support condition designed to control for time and attention.

RESULTS

There was a significant overall treatment effect for school absences due to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (P < 0.05) at 6 months after treatment. There was also a significant overall effect after treatment for child-reported quality of life (P < 0.05), parent-reported increases in adaptive child coping (P < 0.001), and reductions in parents' maladaptive responses to children's symptoms (P < 0.05). Finally, exploratory analyses indicated that for children with a higher level of flares (2 or more) prebaseline, those in social learning and cognitive behavioral therapy condition experienced a greater reduction in flares after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial suggests that a brief cognitive behavioral intervention for children with inflammatory bowel disease and their parents can result in improved child functioning and quality of life, and for some children may decrease disease activity.

Quality of Life in Swiss Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Do Patients and Their Parents Experience Disease in the Same Way?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) may impair quality of life (QoL) in paediatric patients. We aimed to evaluate in a nationwide cohort whether patients experience QoL in a different way when compared with their parents.

METHODS

Sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics were prospectively acquired from paediatric patients and their parents included in the Swiss IBD Cohort Study. Disease activity was evaluated by the Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and the Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI). We assessed QoL using the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. The QoL domains were analysed and compared between children and parents according to type of disease, parents' age, origin, education and marital status.

RESULTS

We included 110 children and parents (59 Crohn's disease [CD], 45 ulcerative colitis [UC], 6 IBD unclassified [IBDU]). There was no significant difference in QoL between CD and UC/IBDU, whether the disease was active or in remission. Parents perceived overall QoL, as well as 'mood', 'family' and 'friends' domains, lower than the children themselves, independently of their place of birth and education. However, better concordance was found on 'school performance' and 'physical activity' domains. Marital status and age of parents significantly influenced the evaluation of QoL. Mothers and fathers being married or cohabiting perceived significantly lower mood, family and friends domains than their children, whereas mothers living alone had a lower perception of the friends domain; fathers living alone had a lower perception of family and mood subscores.

CONCLUSION

Parents of Swiss paediatric IBD patients significantly underestimate overall QoL and domains of QoL of their children independently of origin and education.

Toward a better understanding of the central consequences of intestinal inflammation

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Quality of life for IBD patients is negatively affected by associated pain and gastrointestinal dysfunction, but also by serious behavioral symptoms that include depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Because these behavioral comorbidities are poorly understood, we have investigated them in a rat model of IBD caused by infusion of a hapten (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)) into the lower colon. TNBS colitis has many similarities to Crohn's disease, and we have found that it is associated with changes in central nervous system function. TNBS-treated animals have lowered seizure thresholds, which resolve following remission, and hippocampal slices from such animals display increased excitability. There are significant changes in excitatory, AMPA receptor-mediated transmission, in part due to increased numbers of AMPA receptors lacking the GluR2 subunit. Long-term potentiation and depression are reduced in colitic animals, and the synaptic alterations are reversed if microglial activation and tumor necrosis factor α synthesis within the brain are blocked.

Illness perceptions and stress: mediators between disease severity and psychological well-being and quality of life among patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Disease severity, illness perceptions, coping strategies, stress, psychological well-being, and quality of life were reported to have close relationships. According to the Common Sense Model, illness perceptions and coping strategies could mediate the relationship between illness stimuli and illness outcomes such as psychological health and quality of life. Stress was also associated with the individual's disease severity, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to explore the influencing factors of illness outcomes, and to what extent illness perceptions, coping strategies, and stress mediate the relationship between disease severity and anxiety, and depression and quality of life.

METHODS

Our study included 159 patients with Crohn's disease who were attending a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic or who were hospitalized. Disease severity was measured with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Illness perceptions were measured with the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire. Coping strategies were measured with the Carver Brief Coping Questionnaire. Stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Quality of life was measured with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Disease severity, illness perceptions, maladaptive coping, stress, anxiety, depression and quality of life were significantly correlated with each other among patients with Crohn's disease. Using structural equation modeling to describe the inner relationship of the aforementioned variables, an excellent-fitted model was drawn. (χ²[10]=13.83, P=0.18, χ²/N=1.38, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] <0.05, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] <0.05, goodness of fit index [GFI] >0.97, comparative fit index [CFI] >0.99). Disease severity had a direct influence on illness perceptions. Illness perceptions had a direct influence on stress. Both illness perceptions and stress had direct influences on anxiety, depression, and quality of life, while maladaptive coping did not directly influence anxiety, depression, or quality of life. Stress had a direct influence on maladaptive coping. Quality of life was also directly influenced by disease severity and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Interrelationships between disease stimuli, disease perceptions and management and disease outcomes could be found in patients with Crohn's disease. Illness perceptions and stress mediated an individual's disease severity and anxiety, depression and quality of life, while coping strategy was not an applicable mediator.

Factitious Disorder in Crohn's Disease: Recurrent Pancytopenia Caused by Surreptitious Ingestion of 6-Mercaptopurine

Factitious disorder is a rare psychiatric illness characterized by the willful and deceptive induction of illness for the purpose of assuming the sick role. It presents a substantial diagnostic challenge, as patients often go to great lengths to conceal their deception. Accordingly, its presence in the full spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases is likely underappreciated. While factitious gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain and diarrhea are relatively common, factitious non-gastrointestinal symptoms in the setting of gastrointestinal illness have been infrequently reported. We present the case of a patient with Crohn's disease with recurrent pancytopenia attributed to the surreptitious ingestion of 6-mercaptopurine. In patients with possible access to immunomodulatory drugs, a high suspicion for and early identification of factitious disorder may improve patient outcomes and avoid invasive and costly diagnostic evaluations.

Health-related quality of life in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease depends on disease activity and psychiatric comorbidity

Adolescent patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) show an increased risk for behavioral and emotional dysfunction. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is influenced by medical illnesses, as well as by psychiatric disorders, but for adolescents with IBD, the extent to which HRQoL is influenced by these two factors is unclear. For 47 adolescent IBD patients, we analyzed disease activity, HRQoL and whether or not a psychiatric disorder was present. Disease activity was estimated using pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index and pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index. The IMPACT-III and the EQ-5D were used to measure HRQoL and QoL, respectively. In addition, patient and parent diagnostic interviews were performed. 55.3 % patients fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders. In all patients, psychiatric comorbidity together with disease activity contributed to a reduction in quality of life. Adolescents with IBD are at a high risk for clinically relevant emotional or behavioral problems resulting in significantly lower HRQoL. We conclude that accessible, optimally structured psychotherapeutic and/or psychiatric help is needed in adolescent patients with IBD.

Emergency department visits in the United States for pediatric depression: estimates of charges and hospitalization

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to calculate national estimates of depression-related emergency department (ED) visits and associated health care resource use among children and adolescents 17 years or younger. Another goal was to explore the effects of certain sociodemographic and health care system factors and comorbidities on ED charges and subsequent hospitalization in the United States.

METHODS

The authors analyzed data from the 2006 and 2009 National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), the largest source of U.S. ED data. ED visits with all listed diagnoses (i.e., principal diagnosis plus secondary conditions) of depression were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 293.83, 296.2X, 296.3X, 300.4, and 311. Population-based estimates of ED visits, hospitalization, resource use, comorbidities, and demographics associated with pediatric depression were calculated. Potentially significant covariate associations were also explored using ED charges and hospital admission from the ED.

RESULTS

The 2006 and 2009 NEDS sample contained 365,713 ED visits for pediatric depression; the majority were made by adolescents (87.9%). Of these, 27.2% were admitted to the hospital, 69.5% were treated and released, and <0.1% died in ED. The ED charges in 2012 U.S. dollars summed to a hospital bill of $443.8 million, with the ED plus inpatient charges ($1.2 billion) being more than double that amount. The median inpatient length of stay (LOS) was 4.0 days. Suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury were attempted by 31.4% of the patients. Attention-deficit, conduct, and disruptive disorders; anxiety disorders; substance use disorders; asthma; and infections were the most common comorbidities. In year 2009, a higher number of diagnoses, older age, being female, key comorbidities, and suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury were significantly associated with higher ED charges (all p < 0.05). Increased odds of hospital admission from the ED were significantly associated with a higher number of diagnoses, key comorbidities, and suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric depression is common in the ED and is associated with significant burden to the health care system. Certain factors such as a higher number of diagnoses, key comorbidities, and suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury are associated with increased health care costs and resource use. Special attention should be given to these factors, when present.

Depressive symptoms in children with chronic gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND

Children with chronic illness may have depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among children attending a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic in Malaysia, and whether it differed by age, gender and diagnosis.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study, with data collected over a 16 month period (April 2010-July 2011). Patients aged 7-17 years on follow up at the pediatric gastroenterology clinic at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, were recruited consecutively. They were classified into high, average and low scores based on responses to questions in the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI; high, T-score >55; average, T-score 45-55; low, T-score <45). Children with high scores were considered to have depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The response rate was 93%. One hundred children (44 boys; 56 girls) were studied. Major diagnoses were: functional abdominal pain (n = 22), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 26), biliary atresia (n = 17) and miscellaneous gastrointestinal conditions (n = 35). The overall prevalence of high CDI for depressive symptoms was 27.0%, while 43.0% and 30.0% had average and low scores, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of high scores among children with different diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were common among children attending a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. It is important to recognize symptoms of depression in children with gastrointestinal disorders.

Depression subtypes in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and depression provides a unique opportunity to understand the relation between systemic inflammation and depressive symptom profiles.

METHODS

Youth (n = 226) ages 9 to 17 years with comorbid IBD and depression underwent psychiatric assessment and evaluation of IBD activity. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified depressive subgroups based on similar responses to the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised. Demographic factors, depression severity, anxiety, IBD activity, inflammatory markers, IBD-related medications, and illness perception were evaluated as predictors of profile membership.

RESULTS

Mean age was 14.3 years; 75% had Crohn disease; 31% were taking systemic corticosteroids. Mean depressive severity was moderate, whereas IBD activity, which reflects inflammation, was mild. LPA identified 3 subgroups: Profile-1 (mild, 75%) had diverse low-grade depressive symptoms and highest quality of life; Profile-2 (somatic, 19%) had severe fatigue, appetite change, anhedonia, decreased motor activity, and depressed mood with concurrent high-dose steroid therapy and the highest IBD activity; and Profile-3 (cognitive, 6%) had the highest rates of self-reported depressive symptoms, ostomy placements, and anxiety with IBD symptoms in the relative absence of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence was found for 3 depression profiles in youth with IBD and depression. Our analyses determined that patients with predominantly somatic or cognitive symptoms of depression comprised 25% of our cohort. These findings may be used to design subgroup-specific interventions for depression in adolescents with IBD and other physical illnesses associated with systemic inflammation.

Managing inflammatory bowel disease in adolescent patients

Increasing numbers of adolescents are being diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the two main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease. These young people face many short- and long-term challenges; one or more medical therapies may be required indefinitely; their disease may have great impact, in terms of their schooling and social activities. However, the management of adolescents with one of these incurable conditions needs to encompass more than just medical therapies. Growth, pubertal development, schooling, transition, adherence, and psychological well-being are all important aspects. A multidisciplinary team setting, catering to these components of care, is required to ensure optimal outcomes in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease.

Stability of Emotional and Behavioral Functioning in Youth with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This study prospectively examined stability of psychological and behavioral functioning in two matched cohorts of youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): (1) newly-diagnosed and (2) previously-diagnosed patients. Youth and their parents completed measures of emotional and behavioral functioning at Time 1 and 6-months later. Mean-level analyses indicated that scores at Time 1 and Time 2 were within the nonclinical range. A significant decrease occurred in Internalizing symptoms for previously-diagnosed patients. Both groups demonstrated high levels of profile stability, with no significant differences across groups. Results suggest that emotional and behavioral functioning is generally stable without targeted intervention.

Assessing psychosocial risk in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: validation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0_General

AIM

The aim of this study was to present the preliminary psychometric properties of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0_General (PAT2.0_GEN), a brief screener for psychosocial risk in families of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Caregivers of 42 youth with IBD were recruited and administered a battery of measures including the PAT2.0_GEN and well-validated measures of child emotional and behavioral functioning at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Internal consistency for the PAT2.0_GEN total score was good (α=0.82). Baseline was significantly associated with the 6-month follow-up (r=0.79, P<0.001). Significant correlations between the baseline PAT2.0 _GEN total score and caregiver-reported Child Behavior Checklist total scores at baseline (r=0.74, P<0.001) and at a 6-month follow-up (r=0.62, P<0.001) support the content and predictive validity of the PAT2.0_GEN. Baseline PAT2.0_GEN was also significantly correlated with youth-reported Child Behavior Checklist total scores at baseline (r=0.37, P=0.02) but not at the 6-month follow-up (r=0.23, P=0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

A number of indicators support the concurrent and predictive utility of the PAT2.0_GEN. The PAT2.0_GEN is a promising tool for screening psychosocial risk that could facilitate the provision of psychosocial services to those patients most in need.

Psychosocial dysfunction in children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis

OBJECTIVE

Children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) experience daily challenges related to coping with symptoms and the psychosocial effect of this chronic disease. The aim of this study was to identify features of psychosocial dysfunction experienced by children with EoE who were evaluated in a tertiary care program.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of EoE patients and their families' psychosocial evaluations performed in a tertiary care EoE program. Consecutive evaluations were analyzed to document reports of patients' disease-related pain/discomfort; feeding/appetite symptoms; sleep, social, and school problems; depression, anxiety; and overall psychological adjustment.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients received psychosocial evaluation during an 18-month period and were analyzed. Sixty-nine percent of children evaluated experienced some form of psychosocial problems, including social difficulties (64%), anxiety (41%), sleep difficulties (33%), depression (28%), and school problems (26%). Adjustment problems were identified in 44% of the sample. Older children experienced more adjustment difficulties than younger children (P = 0.05). Sleep disturbances and feeding problems predominated in the younger children. Anxious behavior and depressive feelings increased with age. Children with gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) had more social, school, and psychological adjustment problems than those without.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of children with EoE who underwent health and behavior evaluation in a tertiary care program experienced psychosocial adjustment and coping problems. Evaluation and management by mental health professionals would likely benefit a majority of patients with this chronic disease.

Characterization of relations among sleep, inflammation, and psychiatric dysfunction in depressed youth with Crohn disease

OBJECTIVES

Recent reports demonstrate a link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and sleep disturbance. Increased psychiatric dysfunction is consistently reported in patients with IBD. Our objective is to examine relations among sleep disturbance, inflammation, and psychiatric dysfunction in a pediatric population with Crohn disease (CD) and depression.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with CD with depression (n = 96) and healthy controls (n = 19) completed measures of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression, anxiety, and abdominal pain, and provided blood for inflammatory markers. CD activity was determined by the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Factor analysis was performed on subscales of the PSQI to derive measures of sleep disturbance. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses assessed relations between sleep disturbance, psychosocial, and biological measures of CD and psychiatric dysfunction.

RESULTS

Sleep disturbance in depressed youth with CD was significantly greater than healthy controls, and was significantly related to measures of abdominal pain, depression, and anxiety, but not biomarkers of inflammation. Factor analysis of the PSQI demonstrated a 2-factor solution. The first factor, termed "Qualitative," included Subjective Sleep Quality, Daytime Dysfunction, Sleep Disturbance, and Sleep Latency, whereas the second factor, "Quantitative," consisted of Habitual Sleep Efficiency and Sleep Duration. This factor showed a significant relation to inflammatory markers. Multivariate modeling suggested that qualitative sleep disturbance was predicted by disease activity, pain, and anxiety, whereas quantitative sleep disturbance was predicted by disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that sleep disturbance in depressed youth with CD differs depending upon illness activity. Patients may require different interventions depending upon the sleep disturbance exhibited.

Psychosocial developmental trajectory of adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating disorder occurring in young patients in the most productive period of their lives. Little is known about the effect on the developmental trajectory of adolescents growing up with IBD. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial developmental trajectory ("course of life") and sociodemographic outcomes in adolescents with IBD compared with peers from the general population.

METHODS

A total of 62 adolescents (response rate 74%, boys 51.6%, mean age 18.6 years) completed the course of life questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients with IBD achieved fewer milestones on the domains of autonomy and social and psychosexual development compared with their healthy peers. They went less frequently on holidays without adults, had fewer jobs during secondary school, were less frequently going out to a bar/disco during secondary school, and were older when falling in love for the first time. After secondary school, patients with IBD were more often unemployed.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative consequences in terms of psychosocial development are prevalent in adolescents with IBD. Physicians should be attentive to these consequences and provide additional support if necessary. During transition to adult clinic, these topics are of major importance and should be an integral component of the comprehensive care of chronically ill adolescents and young adults.

Chronic pain in inflammatory bowel disease: characteristics and associations of a hospital-based cohort

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain (CP) is a common symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to examine its prevalence, severity, clinical associations, and impact on psychological well-being and to identify patient factors that independently predict the presence of severe/disabling pain.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with inflammatory bowel disease attending a hospital-based clinic provided information through questionnaires on quality of life, mood disturbance, and functional gut symptoms. Those who had CP (pain occurring every day for 3 months within the past 6 months) provided additional information on the pain's intensity and associated disability and management and coping strategies.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (38%) had CP, most commonly in the abdomen (91%), and they had higher disease activity, reduced quality of life, and more depression and anxiety and took more paracetamol and opiates than those without. These indices were worse in the subgroup of 23 with moderate-severe pain/disability. Criteria for irritable bowel syndrome were met in 70% of those with pain irrespective of its severity. Multivariate analysis identified 4 independent associations with moderate-severe pain/disability: active disease (odds ratio, 49 [95% confidence intervals, 1.6-1455]), catastrophizing tendency (35 [3-228]), medication belief score (0.05 [0.005-0.55], and depression score (1.80 [1.02-3.17]).

CONCLUSIONS

CP has major effects on quality of life and functional and social outcomes. Active disease and maladaptive coping strategies and negative attitudes and beliefs toward symptoms are independently associated with more severe pain. Management strategies should move the focus away from analgesic dependence toward psychosocial intervention and nonpharmacologic therapy.

Psychosocial issues in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: report of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect many areas of psychosocial functioning, and comprehensive medical care includes consideration of psychosocial issues as well as disease factors. The purpose of this clinical report is to review research on psychosocial functioning in pediatric IBD and to provide recommendations for care providers in the areas of psychopathology, health-related quality of life, and social, family, and school functioning. Youth with IBD are at increased risk for difficulty in all areas reviewed, and many psychosocial factors are associated with disease activity, which highlights the importance of monitoring psychosocial functioning as part of clinical care. Several interventions have empirical support or show promise for addressing psychosocial difficulty, and recommendations for monitoring and treating these issues are provided.

Psychological factors and stress in inflammatory bowel disease

The role of psychological distress and personality as predisposing factors for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains controversial. Attempts to investigate the role of psychological factors in IBD exhibited rather conflicting results. Among the studies concerning the effects of stress or depression on the course of IBD, the majority suggest that stress worsened IBD, the rest giving either negative or inconclusive results. However, application of strategies, including avoidance of coping and training patients in problem solving or emotion-oriented, could influence the course of IBD. Large controlled clinical trials are needed in order to clarify the impact of psychological interventions on the quality of life and the course of disease.

NICE clinical guideline (CG152): the management of Crohn's disease in adults, children and young people

BACKGROUND

The guideline offers best practice advice on the care of adults, children and young people with Crohn's disease.

AIM

To provide clinically effective and cost-effective evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical practice in a clinical guideline commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

METHODS

A systematic review of the evidence including critical appraisal, meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness modelling.

RESULTS

Thirty-one evidence-based recommendations covering induction and maintenance therapy are available. Five key priorities for implementation are identified together with nine future research recommendations. Three guideline versions are available: short (containing just the recommendations), full (containing the full evidence base) and an Understanding NICE guidance for patients and carers. Algorithms have been produced together with a NICE pathway and implementation tools.

CONCLUSION

These are the first evidence-based clinical and cost-effectiveness guidelines for Crohn's disease in the United Kingdom.

Using the Children's Depression Inventory in youth with inflammatory bowel disease: support for a physical illness-related factor

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the factor structure of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to better understand the CDI's psychometric properties in a medically complicated population. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on CDI data collected from a clinical sample of 191 youth with IBD, aged 11 to 17 years. Exploratory factor analysis with quartimax rotation yielded 3 factors: mood, behavioral/motivational, and somatic complaints. Only the somatic factor (ie, fatigue, sleep, decreased appetite, and worry about aches and pain) showed a significant positive correlation with IBD severity. The CDI holds promise as a brief measure for the assessment of depressive features psychometrically independent of IBD severity and common steroid treatments as well as of nongastrointestinal specific somatic complaints in a sample of adolescents with IBD. Continued work in this area of research appears promising in honing the assessment of depressive and somatic symptoms in youths with IBD.

Psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

The present systematic review examined the literature focusing on psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in young people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It aimed to critique the methodological quality of the identified studies, discuss the implications of their findings, and make recommendations for future research.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Relevant articles (January 1990-December 2009) were subject to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Identified papers were rated for methodological quality using SIGN 50 and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme guidelines before data extraction.

RESULTS

Of 2141 articles initially identified, 278 were screened in detail, leaving 12 articles for inclusion in the review: 3 having "acceptable" and 9 having "good" quality rating scores. These 12 studies yielded a combined total of 5330 participants including 790 with IBD and 4540 controls (ages 4-18 years). Five main outcomes--self--esteem, HRQOL, anxiety and depression, social competence, and behavioural functioning-were examined. Three of the 4 controlled studies addressing self-reported HRQOL found it to be significantly lower in the participants with IBD. The evidence for lowered self-esteem, self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, impaired social competence, and behavioural problems were conflicting. Methodological heterogeneity was noted in terms of areas of functioning addressed, measures used, sample size, and use of control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

HRQOL is lower in patients with IBD, but conflicting results and methodological flaws limit conclusions on other aspects of psychosocial functioning. Future research should present data on effect sizes, avoid confounding findings by not combining across age groups or disease severity indices, and consider investigating body image disturbance.

Transitioning the adolescent inflammatory bowel disease patient: guidelines for the adult and pediatric gastroenterologist

Twenty percent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients present in the pediatric years, with recent reports suggesting a rising incidence in the pediatric age group. This highlights the need for both pediatric and adult gastroenterologists to better understand issues related to the process of transition from pediatric to adult care. Research from other disciplines outside of IBD provide evidence that the transition period can be associated with poorer health outcomes and that a structured transition program may improve patient compliance and disease control. Recent data from the IBD literature support a need for transition clinics. The ideal model of a transition program has not been established. Controlled trials are not available to measure the impact of a structured transition program on clinically relevant endpoints such as disease control and hospital admissions. As local resources and availability of staffing and funding are highly variable, we have summarized some practical guidelines for the adult and pediatric gastroenterologist that can be used as an aid to help adolescents through the transition process even without the support of an established transition clinic.

Validation of an instrument to measure quality of life in British children with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

To validate IMPACT-III (UK), a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument, in British children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred six children and parents were invited to participate. IMPACT-III (UK) was validated by inspection by health professionals and children to assess face and content validity, factor analysis to determine optimum domain structure, use of Cronbach alpha coefficients to test internal reliability, ANOVA to assess discriminant validity, correlation with the Child Health Questionnaire to assess concurrent validity, and use of intraclass correlation coefficients to assess test-retest reliability. The independent samples t test was used to measure differences between sexes and age groups, and between paper and computerised versions of IMPACT-III (UK).

RESULTS

IMPACT-III (UK) had good face and content validity. The most robust factor solution was a 5-domain structure: body image, embarrassment, energy, IBD symptoms, and worries/concerns about IBD, all of which demonstrated good internal reliability (α = 0.74-0.88). Discriminant validity was demonstrated by significant (P  < 0.05, P < 0.01) differences in HRQoL scores between the severe, moderate, and inactive/mild symptom severity groups for the embarrassment scale (63.7 vs 81.0 vs 81.2), IBD symptom scale (45.0 vs 64.2 vs 80.6), and the energy scale (46.4 vs 62.1 vs 77.7). Concurrent validity of IMPACT-III (UK) with comparable domains of the Child Health Questionnaire was confirmed. Test-retest reliability was confirmed with good intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.66 to 0.84. Paper and computer versions of IMPACT-III (UK) collected comparable scores, and there were no differences between the sexes and age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IMPACT-III (UK) appears to be a useful tool to measure HRQoL in British children with IBD.

Increased risks of developing anxiety and depression in young patients with Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with substantial psychosocial burden and increased risks for mental health disorders. This retrospective cohort study compared the risks of developing anxiety disorders and depression and incidences of psychotropic medication use between young CD patients and matched CD-free controls.

METHODS

Medical claims, prescription drug claims, enrollment, and demographic data for patients <18 years diagnosed with CD were obtained from the MarketScan database (1 January 2000-30 June 2006). Each CD patient was matched with five CD-free controls based on exact age, sex, and months of health plan enrollment. Incidence rates and risks of developing anxiety disorders and depression and psychotropic medication use in the 6 months after the index date were compared, as were risks of developing persistent anxiety or depression (receiving medical services related to a diagnosis of anxiety or depression or psychotropic therapy for >1 year).

RESULTS

After adjustment for patient characteristics, the risks of developing anxiety disorders (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI);[equals;2.28 [1.65-3.17]) and depression (HR [95% CI;[equals;1.74 [1.35-2.25]) after CD diagnosis were significantly greater for the CD cohort (N=2,144) than for CD-free controls (N=10,720). Patients with CD also had greater risks of developing persistent anxiety and persistent depression (HR [95% CI;[equals;4.35 [2.22-8.50] and 2.75 [1.73-4.38], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with matched CD-free controls, young patients with CD had significantly greater risks of developing anxiety disorders and depression, were more likely to receive psychotropic treatments, and had significantly greater risks of developing persistent anxiety and depression.

Children with diabetes compared to peers: depressed? Distressed? A meta-analytic review

BACKGROUND

It is not clear from the literature whether children with diabetes have more psychological difficulties than their peers.

PURPOSE

This study aims to use meta-analysis to determine if children with diabetes differ from children without a chronic illness in a variety of domains reflecting psychological well-being.

METHOD

A meta-analysis was undertaken of 22 studies that compared children with diabetes to a comparison group. Outcomes included depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and related constructs.

RESULTS

Children with diabetes were more likely than comparison groups to experience a variety of psychological difficulties. However, these effects were small to medium in magnitude and were typically smaller among more recent studies and studies with well-matched comparison groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that children with diabetes are at slightly elevated risk for psychological difficulties. Future work will need to help identify children at the highest risk, and to identify factors associated with resilience.

Inflammatory bowel disease

This article reviews the etiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and associated psychological sequelae in children and adolescents with this lifelong disease. Pediatric-onset IBD, consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has significant medical morbidity and in many young persons is also associated with psychological and psychosocial challenges. Depression and anxiety are particularly prevalent and have a multifaceted etiology, including IBD-related factors such as cytokines and steroids used to treat IBD and psychosocial stress. A growing number of empirically supported interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and educational resources, help youth and their parents cope with IBD as well as the psychological and psychosocial sequelae. While there is convincing evidence that such interventions can help improve anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life, their effects on IBD severity and course await further study.

Illness-specific anxiety: implications for functioning and utilization of medical services in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE. Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at heightened risk for developing anxiety and depression. This cross-sectional pilot study examined the relationship between anxiety and depression and health-related behaviors. METHODS. Thirty-six adolescents with diagnosed IBD, ages 12-17, and their parents were recruited from two pediatric gastroenterology medical centers. RESULTS. Clinical levels of anxiety (22%) and depressive symptoms (30%) were reported by patients. Regression analyses revealed that IBD-specific anxiety was significantly associated with greater utilization of medical services and worsened psychosocial functioning. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Results provide preliminary support that IBD-specific anxiety may play an important role in disease management, yet concerns are rarely systematically assessed by health professionals.

Coping skills for reducing pain and somatic symptoms in adolescents with IBD

BACKGROUND

The current study involved the development and evaluation of a skills-based, psychological intervention for adolescent females with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their parents. Psychological interventions were used to improve coping with pain and other somatic physical symptoms, as well as improve parental responses to children and adolescents who experience such symptomatology.

METHODS

Thirteen and 11 adolescent females and one of their parents made up the treatment and wait-list control groups, respectively, for a total of 24 parent-child dyads. Adolescents and parents attended a 1-day intervention that taught disease-related coping skills, pain management, relaxation techniques, communication, and limit setting (parents only). The treatment day was followed by 6 weeks of Web-based skill review including homework assignments and weekly group chat sessions.

RESULTS

Following treatment, significant improvements were found in adolescents' somatic symptoms and adaptive coping strategies. Further, parents reported reductions in irrational thoughts and improved behavioral reactions related to their daughter's physical symptoms. Implications of these findings, as well as limitations and future directions, are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Overall, preliminary support suggests that programmatic psychosocial interventions for reducing physical symptoms and improving coping may be beneficial for adolescents with IBD and their families.

Psychological Functioning of Children and Adolescents With Eosinophil-Associated Gastrointestinal Disorders

This study examined health-related quality of life and adjustment among children with eosinophil- associated gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) compared with an age-matched sample without acute or chronic illness. Participants were youth ages 2 to 18 years. Children and caregivers completed measures of psychological symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Significant group differences were found for child report of depressive, as well as anxiety symptoms. Significant group differences were also found for caregiver report of psychological symptoms and social skills. Finally, based on parent and youth report, HRQOL and greater school absenteeism were associated with EGID diagnosis.

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.