IBD in children increases risk of psychiatric disorders

August 22, 2019

According to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics, children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have an increased risk of suffering from psychiatric disorders. To conduct the study, researchers studied more than 6,400 children with IBD, born between 1973 and 2013.
They compared each child’s risk of psychiatric disorders at an older age with that of healthy children, and with each child’s own siblings, to help take into account socioeconomics, lifestyle and heredity. After a period of nine years, 17.3% of the children with IBD had been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, while 11.8% of the healthy children and about 10% of the patient’s siblings also had a psychiatric diagnosis.

Based on their findings, researchers concluded that children with IBD were 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, compared to healthy children. The children with IBD also had a greater risk of developing a psychiatric disorder compared to their siblings, and a higher risk of suicide attempt after reaching adulthood.
Study lead, Agnieszka Butwicka, explained, "The study shows that children with IBD and their parents are in need of psychological support and longer follow-up. Special help could be offered to children who become ill at a young age and to children of parents with mental health problems.”
Previous research has shown that adults with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease also have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.
The study adds to a mound of previous research on the gut-brain connection. Your microflora influence your genetic expression, your immune system, weight, mental health, memory, and your risk of numerous chronic and acute diseases, from diabetes to cancer. You gut bacteria are under constant attack from factors like antibiotics, chlorinated water, antibacterial soap, agricultural chemicals and pollution.
An estimated 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, which is just one more reason why tending to your gut microflora is an essential element of good health. A robust immune system, supported by your flourishing inner ecosystem, is your No. 1 defense against all disease, from the common cold to cancer. Along with eating naturally fermented foods and/or taking a high-quality supplement, it's essential that you avoid sugar, including fructose. Sugar nourishes pathogenic bacteria, yeast and fungi in your gut, which may actually harm you more than its impact on insulin resistance.