Celiac Disease Associated with Numerous Psychiatric Conditions

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. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
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;