The key findings indicate that addressing depression and anxiety symptoms in individuals with IBD leads to a statistically significant reduction in the severity of the condition. Notably, psychological therapy emerges as highly effective in alleviating the inflammation associated with IBD. Additionally, antidepressants and exercise show improvements, albeit to a lesser extent.
Rather than relying on self-reported IBD symptoms, the researchers utilized biomarkers associated with IBD inflammation, specifically calprotectin and C-reactive protein (CRP), to objectively track disease activity. The study encompassed data from 28 randomized controlled trials involving 1,789 participants and is published in eBioMedicine.
The study builds upon existing evidence highlighting the intricate connection between IBD and mental health. Natasha Seaton, the PhD student at King’s College and the study's first author, emphasized the prevalence of depression and anxiety in people with IBD. She noted that 25% of individuals with IBD experience clinical levels of depression, rising to 39% when the disease is active. Similarly, anxiety rates reach 32% and escalate to 58% during periods of heightened inflammation.
Dr. Tine Jess of the Center For Molecular Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease highlighted the mechanistic links between mental health and intestinal inflammation, including vagal nerve signaling, systemic inflammatory markers, and the gut microbiome.
Dr. Rudolph Bedford, a gastroenterologist not involved in the research, emphasized the impact of a poor psychological state on increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, noting the interplay between mental health and inflammatory bowel disease.
The study underscores the efficacy of psychological interventions, surpassing antidepressants in improving IBD symptoms. Seaton explained that the brain's regulation of immune system activity and gut function may be linked to improved mood, subsequently reducing inflammation. Better mental health strengthens the immune system and enables individuals with IBD to manage their physical health more effectively through factors like increased exercise, improved diet, and adherence to prescribed medication.
The researchers tracked fecal calprotectin and CRP, two biomarkers of IBD, to draw their conclusions. Both biomarkers serve as objective measures of intestinal and systemic inflammation, aiding physicians in determining disease activity and the effectiveness of treatment.
Dr. Jess pointed out that the study's systematic review and meta-analysis reveal the beneficial effect of psychological interventions on both intestinal and systemic inflammation, challenging preconceptions about the relationship between mental health and IBD.
Dr. Bedford emphasized that while not everyone with mood disorders develops IBD and vice versa, their practice often refers IBD patients for psychological counseling, observing improvements in inflammatory bowel disease alongside the alleviation of anxiety and depression.
In summary, the study offers a significant contribution to understanding the complex interplay between mental health and IBD, paving the way for more targeted and effective treatment approaches for individuals grappling with this challenging condition. (Source of Information: Dr. Harshal Ashok Pawar, MD (AM), DNYS, DYA, Registered Acupuncturist - AAI NATURE CURE, Office No.3, First Floor, Mega Silver, Chikanghar, Kalyan (West) -421301, Maharashtra, India., Contact No. +91-8097148638, Website: https://aphinfo.com/aai-nature-cure/)