Celiac.com 08/25/2025 - Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This immune response damages the small intestine and can lead to a wide range of symptoms. While the physical effects of the disease are well-known, such as digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies, it can also affect mental and emotional health. This study explored how celiac disease impacts adolescents, focusing on body image dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety. The goal was to understand how these emotional challenges may be connected to the disease and whether following a gluten-free diet plays a role in mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study

The researchers aimed to investigate the psychological health of adolescents with celiac disease. Specifically, they wanted to understand whether young people with this condition are more likely to experience dissatisfaction with their body image, depression, and anxiety compared to their healthy peers. In addition, the study looked at whether sticking to a gluten-free diet influenced these outcomes and how antibody levels related to mental health symptoms.

Who Participated in the Study

The study took place at Erciyes University’s Pediatric Gastroenterology unit between July 2022 and June 2023. It included adolescents aged 12 to 18 who had been officially diagnosed with celiac disease through intestinal biopsy. These patients were compared with a group of healthy adolescents of the same age and sex. The researchers used questionnaires and medical testing to gather information about their emotional well-being, body image satisfaction, dietary habits, and antibody levels related to celiac disease.

Key Findings

Higher Rates of Depression and Body Image Issues

Adolescents with celiac disease were significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression and dissatisfaction with their body image than those in the healthy group. These differences were not small; they were statistically strong, meaning they were unlikely to be due to chance. This finding suggests that celiac disease may contribute to emotional struggles during adolescence, a time when young people are already dealing with rapid physical and emotional changes.

Diet Compliance Makes a Difference

One of the most important discoveries in this study was the impact of dietary compliance. Adolescents who did not follow their gluten-free diet closely were more likely to experience depression and body image dissatisfaction. On the other hand, those who strictly avoided gluten reported better emotional health overall. This highlights the importance of dietary management—not just for physical health, but also for emotional well-being.

Antibody Levels Linked to Emotional Health

The researchers also looked at blood levels of a specific antibody used to monitor celiac disease activity, called tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A. Higher levels of this antibody were associated with increased symptoms of depression. Interestingly, the relationship with body image dissatisfaction was more complex—higher antibody levels were actually linked to lower dissatisfaction scores. This could reflect the way adolescents perceive their body changes in relation to active symptoms or visible improvements after starting treatment.

Why These Findings Matter

This study shows that celiac disease is not only a physical condition—it has clear mental health effects, especially in teenagers. Adolescents with celiac disease may be dealing with more than just dietary restrictions or stomach pain. They may also be struggling with how they view their bodies and how they feel emotionally. These challenges can be worsened when they do not follow a gluten-free diet, which can lead to continuing intestinal damage and chronic symptoms.

Another important takeaway is that routine medical care for adolescents with celiac disease should include checks for mental and emotional health. If doctors only focus on digestive symptoms or lab results, they may miss signs of depression or self-esteem issues. Early screening and intervention can prevent these problems from becoming more serious over time.

Implications for Celiac Disease Management

For families, healthcare providers, and educators, this study offers a clear message: supporting adolescents with celiac disease requires a whole-person approach. It's not enough to just prescribe a gluten-free diet and monitor antibody levels. There should also be regular conversations about how teens feel about their appearance, social life, and mental health. Simple screenings for mood disorders and body image concerns could help catch problems early and make a big difference in a young person’s quality of life.

Conclusion

Adolescents with celiac disease are at increased risk for depression and dissatisfaction with their body image, especially when they do not follow a strict gluten-free diet. These emotional challenges are significant and deserve attention alongside physical treatment. Monitoring antibody levels may provide clues about emotional well-being, but the most important factor seems to be how well adolescents are managing their diet. The findings of this study suggest that taking care of mental health should be a regular part of treating celiac disease in teens. By recognizing and addressing these issues early, healthcare providers can help adolescents live healthier, happier lives.

Read more at: www.frontiersin.org

Celiac.com 03/27/2025 - Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. While the primary treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, many individuals with celiac disease continue to experience symptoms, even after eliminating gluten. In recent years, research has suggested that mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression may play a role in how well individuals manage their disease. A new study published in Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology examines how anxiety and depression affect adherence to a gluten-free diet, symptom severity, and overall quality of life in individuals diagnosed with celiac disease.

Understanding the Study

The study involved 673 adults diagnosed with celiac disease who attended a specialized celiac clinic over a four-year period. Each participant completed several assessments that measured their adherence to a gluten-free diet, quality of life, severity of symptoms, and mental health status. Anxiety and depression were identified using a standardized questionnaire, with individuals scoring above a certain threshold classified as experiencing these conditions.

The goal was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in individuals with celiac disease and evaluate how these mental health challenges impact dietary adherence, symptom severity, and overall well-being.

Key Findings

High Rates of Anxiety and Depression

The study found that mental health issues were common among individuals with celiac disease:

• 37% of participants had anxiety
• 16% had depression

These findings suggest that a significant portion of people with celiac disease struggle with emotional well-being, which may, in turn, affect their ability to manage their condition effectively.

Impact on Gluten-Free Diet Adherence

One of the most important findings was that individuals with anxiety or depression were less likely to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. The study showed that:

• Those with anxiety were 30% less likely to follow the diet correctly.
• Those with depression were 50% less likely to maintain good dietary adherence.

This suggests that emotional distress may make it harder for individuals to consistently avoid gluten, which can lead to ongoing symptoms and further health complications.

More Severe Symptoms and Health Complications

Participants who experienced anxiety and depression also reported worse physical symptoms related to celiac disease. They were more likely to suffer from:

• Abdominal pain
• Digestive discomfort
• Fatigue
• Brain fog

In addition to these symptoms, individuals with anxiety and depression tended to experience weight fluctuations, though this trend was not statistically significant.

Lower Quality of Life

Quality of life was significantly lower in individuals who experienced mental health challenges. The study found that anxiety and depression were strong predictors of reduced life satisfaction, indicating that managing both physical and mental health is essential for improving overall well-being in people with celiac disease.

Why This Study Matters

Mental Health and Celiac Disease Management

This research highlights that mental health is a crucial factor in managing celiac disease effectively. Individuals with untreated anxiety or depression may find it more difficult to follow a gluten-free diet, leading to persistent symptoms and increased health risks. Recognizing and addressing these mental health conditions can be an essential part of improving health outcomes for people with celiac disease.

The Need for Psychological Support

Given the strong connection between mental health and celiac disease management, healthcare providers should consider screening for anxiety and depression in individuals diagnosed with celiac disease. Providing access to mental health resources, such as therapy or counseling, could help patients cope with the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness.

Empowering Patients to Improve Their Well-Being

For individuals with celiac disease, this study serves as a reminder that managing mental health is just as important as avoiding gluten. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or mental health specialists can make a significant difference in improving dietary adherence, symptom management, and overall quality of life.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that anxiety and depression are common in individuals with celiac disease and have a significant impact on their ability to maintain a gluten-free diet, control symptoms, and experience a good quality of life. By addressing mental health alongside dietary management, individuals with celiac disease may improve their overall health and well-being. Healthcare providers and patients alike should prioritize mental health as a key component of celiac disease care to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Read more at: academic.oup.com

Celiac.com 07/17/2023 - Celiac disease has been associated with higher levels of anxiety, but study evidence is scant. A team of researchers recently set out to measure the frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Jordanian patients with celiac disease.

The Research Team

The research team included Sara Haj Ali, Rahaf Alqurneh, Awni Abu Sneineh, Bandar Ghazal, Lana Agraib, Layali Abbasi, Sufian Rifaei, and Tarek Mazzawi. They are variously affiliated with the department of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR; the department Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Jordan, Amman, JOR; and the department of Food Science and Nutrition, Jerash University, Jerash, JOR. 

Celiac disease is a condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, causing intestinal problems and other symptoms. Researchers conducted a study to understand the frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Jordanian patients with celiac disease.

Anxiety and Depressive Symptom Questionnaire

The study involved sending a questionnaire electronically to celiac disease patients through WhatsApp. The questionnaire asked about demographics, disease-related information, and assessed anxiety and depressive symptoms using validated scales.

A total of 133 patients participated in the study, mostly females with an average age of 33.9 years. About one-third of the patients were not following a gluten-free diet, and more than half were experiencing symptoms at the time of the study. 

83% Report Depressive Symptoms

The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among the participants was found to be high, with 85% reporting anxiety symptoms and nearly 83% reporting depressive symptoms. There were no significant correlations found between the variables and the presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms.

These findings highlight the significant proportion of Jordanian celiac disease patients who experience anxiety and depressive symptoms. Considering the potential impact on their quality of life, it is important for healthcare providers to screen celiac disease patients for psychiatric comorbidities and refer them for further evaluation if needed. This can help improve their overall well-being and provide appropriate support.

Read more at Cureus. 2023 Jun; 15(6): e39842

Celiac.com 09/26/2022 - Celiac disease is on the rise, and so are the gastrointestinal and other symptoms that go with it. A number of researchers have documented connections between various psychiatric disorders and celiac disease. However, the relationship between celiac disease, and such psychiatric disorders is not well studied or documented. 

A team of researchers recently set out to provide a greater understanding of the existing evidence and theories surrounding psychiatric manifestations of celiac disease. 

The research team included Emma Clappison, Marios Hadjivassiliou, and Panagiotis Zis. They are variously affiliated with the Medical School of the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, and the Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Sheffield, Sheffield.

Their systematic review and meta-analysis appears in a special issue on gluten-related disorders, titled, Time to Move from Gut to Brain.

The team conducted a search of online medical literature search using PubMed, pulling data on rates of celiac disease and psychiatric disorders from eligible articles. They then conducted a meta analysis of odds ratios. For their review, the team found a total of 37 articles that met their eligibility parameters. 

Compared with healthy controls, the team found people with celiac disease to have a significantly higher risk for autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. They found no significant differences for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. 

The study revealed that celiac disease is associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, along with ASD and ADHD. 

The team is calling for more research into the specific biological reasons underpinning this connection, along with the potential benefits of a gluten free diet in improving these conditions. 

Read more in Nutrients 2020, 12(1), 142

Celiac.com 04/15/2021 - Cases of celiac disease are on the rise. Celiac disease is associated with both gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-intestinal manifestations, with psychiatric disorders being among the most common extra-intestinal manifestations. 

The connection between celiac disease and associated psychiatric disorders has not been well documented or studied. A team of researchers recently set out to provide a greater understanding of the existing evidence and theories surrounding psychiatric manifestations of celiac disease. 

The research team included Emma Clappison, Marios Hadjivassiliou, and Panagiotis Zis. They are variously affiliated with the Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2YN, UK; and the Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Sheffield, Sheffield UK

For their study, the team conducted an online literature search using PubMed to locate eligible articles containing data on the rates of both celiac disease and psychiatric disorders. They also conducted meta analyses on odds ratios. 

In all, the team located 37 eligible articles. They detected a significant increased risk for patients with autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders amongst the celiac disease population compared to healthy controls. They found no significant differences for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. 

The data connects celiac disease to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, as well as ASD and ADHD. 

They point to the need for more research to investigate specific biological explanations as well as the potentially beneficial effects of a gluten-free diet.

Data can be helpful in showing connections, and certainly the connection between celiac disease and psychiatric conditions is worthy of study, but further studies are crucial to understanding the connection in any meaningful way.

Read more at MDPI.comNutrients 2020, 12(1), 142;

Celiac.com 03/29/2021 - A team of researchers recently set out to analyze the connection between celiac disease and depression in children, adolescents, and young adults with Type 1 diabetes.

For their study, the team looked at nearly 80,000 patients aged 6–20 years, with Type 1 diabetes lasting at least six months, and treatment data, in the diabetes patient follow-up registry, between 1995 and 2019. The team assigned the patients to one of four groups: Type 1 diabetes patients, numbering 73,699; Type 1 diabetes + celiac disease, numbering 3,379; Type 1 diabetes + depression, numbering 1877; or Type 1 diabetes + celiac disease + depression, numbering 112 patients.

The results showed a strong association between celiac disease and depression. Depression and celiac disease were more frequent in women, compared with Type 1 diabetes. 

Patients with Type 1 diabetes + celiac disease, and Type 1 diabetes + depression, were more likely to use insulin pumps compared with Type 1 diabetes only. 

HbA1c was higher in Type 1 diabetes + depression, Type 1 diabetes + celiac disease + depression, both compared with Type 1 diabetes only. 

Compared with Type 1 diabetes patients, patients with Type 1 diabetes + celiac disease + depression were more likely to have comorbid autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.

The results support a strong connection between celiac disease and depression in young people with Type 1 diabetes. The team hypothesizes that the emotional weight of Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease together may increase a patient's risk for depression. Depression was also associated with additional psychological and neurological comorbidities. 

In addition to screening Type 1 diabetes patients for celiac disease at regular intervals, the team suggests celiac disease patients might screening benefit from regular depression screening.

Read more in Acta Diabetologica (2021)

The research team included Sascha René Tittel, Désirée Dunstheimer, Dörte Hilgard, Burkhild Knauth, Elke Fröhlich-Reiterer, Angela Galler, Michael Wurm, and Reinhard Walter Holl. They are variously affiliated with the Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, ZIBMT, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 41, 89081, Ulm, Germany; the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; the Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany; the Department of Pediatrics, Witten, Germany; the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, CJD Berchtesgaden, Berchtesgaden, Germany; the Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; the Clinic St. Hedwig, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO Clinics), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; the Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, ZIBMT, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 41, 89081, Ulm, Germany; and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.

Celiac.com 12/29/2020 - Early-onset depression is associated with poor health outcomes over the long term. However, researchers still don't know if early depression might be connected with specific diseases and premature death, and whether these connections are independent of psychiatric comorbidity.

A team of researchers recently set out to quantify the association of youth depression with subsequent diagnoses of numerous somatic diseases and mortality. Their study shows that people who suffer from depression in youth face higher risks of subsequent disease and death.

The research team included Marica Leone, BSc; Ralf Kuja-Halkola, PhD; Amy Leval, PhD; Brian M. D’Onofrio, PhD; Henrik Larsson, PhD; Paul Lichtenstein, PhD; and Sarah E. Bergen, PhD.

They are variously affiliated with the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Solna, Sweden; the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington; and the School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.

The team defined youth depression as having received at least 1 diagnosis of depression from inpatient or outpatient care between ages 5 and 19 years.

The team's population-based cohort study of nearly 1.5 million individuals in Sweden found more than 37,000 were diagnosed with depression at least once between the ages of 5 and 19 years.

Those individuals with youth depression faced higher relative and absolute risks of developing any of a wide range of medical conditions, and of early death, compared with the general population. 

Even after controlling for other psychiatric disorders, especially substance use and anxiety disorders, those with an early history of depression had a higher risk of being diagnosed with 66 of 69 medical conditions assessed in the study, including sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, viral hepatitis, and kidney and liver diseases.

There were differences between men and women. Men with early-onset depression faced higher risk for obesity, thyroid problems, celiac disease, connective tissue disorders and eczema. Women, on the other hand, were more likely to suffer injuries, as well as urinary, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. 

These findings indicate a connection between youth depression, increased risks for numerous somatic diseases, and for mortality. They invite clinicians to consider several medical conditions when assessing depression in young people, and lay the groundwork for future study.

Read more at JAMA Psychiatry

Celiac.com 02/03/2020 - Celiac disease is a common autoimmune condition that can have negative physical and psycho-social consequences in kids with the disease.  A team of researchers recently set out to document health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a large group of children with newly diagnosed celiac disease using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales. They wanted to compare it against data for healthy children and children with non-celiac gastrointestinal (GI) problems using established data.

The research team included Mary Shull; Tracy Ediger; Ivor Hill; and Rose Schroedl. They are variously affiliated with the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition; the Department of Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and the Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Section, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO.

The team presented the PedsOL survey to 159 children with newly diagnosed celiac disease, and their parents, at either the time of diagnostic duodenoscopy, or prior to their first dietitian appointment for gluten-free diet instruction. 

The team calculated average parent-report and self-report PedsQL summary and sub-scale scores, then used 1-sample tests to compare to documented averages from a group of healthy children, and a group of children with non-celiac gastrointestinal symptoms.

Compared to the healthy kids, those newly diagnosed celiac disease had lower Total Scores, Physical Health, Psycho-social Health, Emotional Functioning, and School Functioning on parent report with similar findings on self-report. Among kids and adolescents with celiac disease, the team found clinically significant scores in nearly 56% for School Functioning, nearly 63% for Physical Health, about 54% for Emotional Functioning, nearly 44% for Social Functioning, and 49% for Total Score.

Quality of life scores were lower for kids and adolescents with newly diagnosed celiac disease than for healthy children, and more in line with QOL for patients with non-celiac GI conditions. 

The team points out that kids with lower QOL scores in areas like school or emotional function might be helped with early interventions, including a Section 504 plan or meeting with a psychologist or social worker.

Children and adolescents with celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, face extra challenges with academic or emotional well-being. Catching those extra alleges early can help those kids to get the help they need to thrive.

Read more in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Celiac.com 04/10/2018 - Celiac disease is a multi-system disorder with manifestations that may result in psychiatric disorders. Does that mean that celiac disease patients are more likely to take psychotropic drugs than other gastrointestinal patients? A team of researchers recently set out to assess the prevalence of medication use to treat psychiatric disorders in celiac disease patients compared to other gastrointestinal patients.

The research team included Haley M. Zylberberg, Jonas F. Ludvigsson, Peter H. R. Green, and Benjamin Lebwohl. They are variously affiliated with the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA; the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; the Department of Pediatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden; the Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA; and with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University in New York, NY, USA.

For their cross-sectional study, the team compiled data on patients undergoing esophago-gastroduodenoscopy over 9-years at a celiac disease referral center. They then compared rates of psychotropic medication use among 1,293 celiac disease patients to a control group of 1,401 patients with abdominal pain or reflux.

Average patient age was 48.4 years, nearly 70% were female, and 22.7% used some sort of psychotropic medication. Overall, the team found no difference between rates of psychotropic medication use among celiac disease patients compared to control subjects.

However, they did find that people with celiac disease were more likely to use antidepressants. This was confirmed using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Psychotropic medication use was not connected with either the duration or mode of presentation of celiac disease.

So, even though the data show that celiac disease patients may use more antidepressants, they use psychotropic medications at similar rates as those with other gastrointestinal diseases. 

From these data, the study team suggests that researchers should try to assess whether people with celiac disease suffer from mood disorders that are not treated with medications.

Source:

• BMC Psychiatry. 2018; 18: 76. Published online 2018 Mar 27. doi:  10.1186/s12888-018-1668-0

Celiac.com 02/28/2017 - It's no secret that psychological symptoms can be associated with celiac disease, but until recently, no one had really done a solid prospective study on children.

A research team has now done just that. In this case, they looked at a group of children with celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA), which is defined as persistently positive celiac disease–associated tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGA). As part of their study, the researchers looked at a screening population of genetically at-risk children. They assessed psychological functioning in children as reported by mothers, and then compared the results with a comparable group of children without celiac disease autoimmunity.

They also investigated differences in psychological symptoms based on mothers' awareness of their child's celiac disease autoimmunity status.

The research team included Laura B. Smith, Kristian F. Lynch, Kalle Kurppa, Sibylle Koletzko, Jeffrey Krischer, Edwin Liu, Suzanne Bennett Johnson, Daniel Agardh, and The TEDDY study group. The study, titled Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young, followed 8,676 children to identify triggers of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. Children were tested for tTGA beginning at 2 years of age. The researchers used the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist to assess child psychological functioning at 3.5 and 4.5 years of age.

At 3.5 years, 66 mothers who were not aware that their child had celiac disease autoimmunity reported more child anxiety and depression, aggressive behavior, and sleep problems than 3,651 mothers of children without celiac disease autoimmunity. Unaware-celiac disease autoimmunity mothers also reported more child anxiety and depression, withdrawn behavior, aggressive behavior, and sleep problems than 440 mothers aware of their child's celiac disease autoimmunity status. At 4.5 years, there were no differences.

At 3½ years-old, children with persistently positive celiac disease–associated tTGA had substantially more reports of child depression and anxiety, aggressive behavior, and sleep problems by mothers who were not aware of their child's celiac disease autoimmunity status.

Mothers with knowledge of their child's celiac disease autoimmunity status made fewer reports of psychological symptoms, which indicates that awareness of the child's tTGA test status makes mother's less likely to report symptoms.

That the differences seem to disappear by age 4.5 is encouraging, but also puzzling. Why do they seem to disappear? What specifically causes them in the first place? This is the first study to date on this particular aspect of celiac disease and related conditions in children. It will likely not be the last. As we learn more from studies like this one, the ways we test for, monitor, and even treat celiac disease will likely improve.

Source:

•  Pediatrics, February 2017

Celiac.com 06/23/2016 - Digestive Disease Week 2016 took place in San Diego from May 21-24. Among the presentations given was one that stood out for its obvious health impacts. That presentation was given by Jonathan Cordova, DO, pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center. His presentation tied celiac disease to major depressive disorder in adolescents, and stated that most adolescents with celiac disease have symptoms consistent with the disorder.

Dr. Cordova said that "...interim analysis does suggest that a majority of adolescents living with celiac disease may have symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder," and that the depression has a negative impact on their quality of life, "but does not appear to be associated with their celiac disease state." That is, the depression does not seem to be impacted by how well their celiac disease is doing. Healthy gut and gluten-free diet, or unhealthy gut, with symptoms, it doesn't seem to matter. The depression levels seem about the same whatever the case.

A number of recent studies indicate that depression and anxiety are the main reasons people with celiac disease report decreased quality of life, Dr. Cordova and his colleagues wrote. But, most of these studies were done on adults, almost none used adolescents, and adolescents may be more susceptible to depression.

The research team was able to connect celiac disease with mental health disorders in adolescents by administering questionnaires to adolescents and their parents. Average age of adolescents was 14.6 years at the time of survey and 11.2 years at the time of diagnosis.

The researchers found no correlation between celiac disease and depression, anxiety, ADHD, age at survey, quality of life, age at diagnosis or length of time on a gluten free diet. However, the majority of adolescents and parental reports screened positive for major depressive disorder.

Interestingly, a parent's perception of the state of their child's celiac disease impacted their perception of depression in their child.

Dr. Cordova says that "the data suggests that early screening for depression in any adolescent with celiac disease is crucial to help optimize behavioral health,"

Dr. Cordova's team plans to follow these patients into young adulthood, and aims to re-screen them again in 5 years.

Reference: 

• Cordova J, et al. Abstract #844. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week; May 21-24, 2016; San Diego

Celiac.com 10/28/2015 - A team of researchers recently set out to review the medical literature for psychological morbidity associated with celiac disease.

The team included F. Zingone, G.L. Swift, T.R. Card, D.S. Sanders, J.F. Ludvigsson, and J.C. Bai. They are variously associated with the University of Salerno, Department of Medicine and Surgery in Salerno, Italy, the Department of Gastroenterology at University Hospital Llandough in Cardiff, Wales, UK, the Division of Epidemiology and Public Health at The University of Nottingham in Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK, the Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital & the University of Sheffield, UK, the Department of Pediatrics at Örebro University Hospital in Örebro, Sweden, the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, the Department of Medicine, "C. Bonorino Udaondo" Gastroenterology Hospital, Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For their study, the team searched PubMed for all papers on psychological aspects of celiac disease, specifically quality of life, anxiety, depression and fatigue, published between 1900 and June, 2014.

Their results showed that anxiety, depression and fatigue are common complaints in patients with untreated celiac disease and contribute significantly to lower quality of life. While aspects of these conditions may improve within a few months after starting a gluten-free diet, some patients continue to suffer from significant psychological morbidity.

These psychological symptoms may have an impact on the quality of life and the dietary adherence for people with celiac disease.

The team encourages health care professionals to keep in mind any associated psychological burdens when treating patients with celiac disease.

Source:

•  Open Original Shared Link