Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis tied to anxiety and depression

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – both gastrointestinal diseases – have been tied to anxiety and depression. In a previous study researchers found that not only is Crohn’s disease tied to depression but that depression can increase inflammatory flare-ups related to Crohn’s.

The study involved 3,150 Crohn’s patients who completed online questionnaires in regards to their disease, treatment and its affect on their daily lives. Patients were also asked how often they felt sad, hopeless, or worthless.

Patients with high depressions scores were 50 percent more likely to experience a Crohn’s flare-up after 12 months compared to those with the lowest depression scores.

Even after researchers adjusted for other factors depression still remained to be linked with Crohn’s flare-ups.

Lead author Lawrence Gaines said, “Our study suggests that feelings of sadness and thoughts of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness can affect the risk of disease flares in people with Crohn’s disease. For these patients, what they think about themselves may be related to a very real medical outcome.”

The researchers note the importance of doctors talking to their patients about depression and depression-like symptoms as it could have a negative impact on the patient’s disease and overall health.

Continue Reading to know How Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases anxiety disorder risk