Clinical implications
The study is important for highlighting the increased burden of mental health problems in young people with IBD, said session comoderator Nick Kennedy, MD, a consultant gastroenterologist and chief research information officer with the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in England.
Dr. Kennedy, who was not affiliated with the research, is also supportive of the idea of a psychological subgroup within ECCO.
The peak age for developing mental health disorders found by the study (12-17 years) “is a unique and very sensitive time,” said Sara Mesilhy, MBBS, a gastroenterologist with the Royal College of Physicians in London.
“These results highlight the need for development of early screening psychiatric programs starting from time of diagnosis and continuing on periodic intervals to offer the best management plan for IBD patients, especially those with childhood-onset IBD,” said Dr. Mesilhy, who was not affiliated with the research.
Such programs would “improve the patient’s quality of life, protecting them from a lot of suffering and preventing the bad sequelae for these disorders,” said Dr. Mesilhy. “Moreover, we still need further studies to identify the most efficient monitoring and treatment protocols.”
Dr. Kennedy applauded the researchers for conducting a population-based study because it ensured an adequate cohort size and maximized identification of mental health disorders.
“It was interesting to see that there were a range of conditions where risk was increased, and that males with IBD were at particularly increased risk,” he added.
Researchers’ use of coded primary care data was a study limitation, but it was “appropriately acknowledged by the presenter,” Dr. Kennedy said.
The study was supported by Pfizer. Dr. Russell disclosed he is a consultant and member of a speakers’ bureau for Pfizer outside the submitted work. Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Mesilhy report no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.