# Psychological well‐being and quality of life in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission

## TL;DR

This study finds that many children with inflammatory bowel disease still experience anxiety and depression even when their disease is in remission.

## Contribution

The study highlights the importance of parental assessments in identifying psychological distress in pediatric IBD patients.

## Key findings

- 29.1% of pediatric IBD patients in remission showed anxiety symptoms.
- Parent and child assessments of anxiety and depression were strongly correlated.
- Anxiety and depression were moderately inversely related to quality of life.

## Abstract

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents significant psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression. This study investigates the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in pediatric IBD patients in remission and examines the correlation between patient and parental assessments of these symptoms.

Patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis, or IBD‐unclassified (IBD‐U) aged 1–21 years in clinical remission as measured by the pediatric CD activity index or pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index were enrolled. Demographic data and patient psychological well‐being were assessed using the IMPACT‐III and the patient‐reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) emotional distress depression short‐form 8a and anxiety short‐form 8a.

Forty‐eight pediatric IBD patients and their parents completed psychological assessments. Prevalence of anxiety and depression were 29.1% and 14.5%, respectively. A moderate inverse correlation between PROMIS depression and anxiety scores, and quality of life was observed. Strong correlations were observed between child‐ and parent‐reported PROMIS scores for both anxiety (r = 0.68) and depression (r = 0.75).

These findings underscore the persistent burden of anxiety and depression in pediatric IBD patients and the valuable role of parental assessments in identifying psychological distress. Routine screening is essential for improving outcomes in this population.

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is associated with high rates of anxiety and depression.Anxiety and depression in pediatric IBD patients negatively impact their quality of life, academic performance, social interactions, and treatment adherence.Despite disease remission, pediatric IBD patients remain vulnerable to mental health challenges, underscoring the need for routine screening and multidisciplinary care.

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is associated with high rates of anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and depression in pediatric IBD patients negatively impact their quality of life, academic performance, social interactions, and treatment adherence.

Despite disease remission, pediatric IBD patients remain vulnerable to mental health challenges, underscoring the need for routine screening and multidisciplinary care.

Strong correlations were observed between parent and child‐reported patient‐reported outcomes measurement information system scores for both anxiety and depression, supporting the role of parental assessments as reliable proxies for pediatric mental health in IBD.Pediatric IBD patients in clinical remission continue to exhibit significant levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting that psychological issues persist even when disease activity is minimal.There is a moderate inverse relationship between quality of life (IMPACT‐III scores) and anxiety and depression, suggesting that improvements in psychological well‐being are tied to better health‐related quality of life.

Strong correlations were observed between parent and child‐reported patient‐reported outcomes measurement information system scores for both anxiety and depression, supporting the role of parental assessments as reliable proxies for pediatric mental health in IBD.

Pediatric IBD patients in clinical remission continue to exhibit significant levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting that psychological issues persist even when disease activity is minimal.

There is a moderate inverse relationship between quality of life (IMPACT‐III scores) and anxiety and depression, suggesting that improvements in psychological well‐being are tied to better health‐related quality of life.