Illness-Specific Anxiety: Implications for Functioning and Utilization of Medical Services in Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2011

Abstract

Purpose. Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at heightened risk for developing anxiety and depression. This cross-sectional pilot study examined the relationship between anxiety and depression and health-related behaviors. Methods. Thirty-six adolescents with diagnosed IBD, ages 12-17, and their parents were recruited from two pediatric gastroenterology medical centers. Results. Clinical levels of anxiety (22%) and depressive symptoms (30%) were reported by patients. Regression analyses revealed that IBD-specific anxiety was significantly associated with greater utilization of medical services and worsened psychosocial functioning. Practice Implications. Results provide preliminary support that IBD-specific anxiety may play an important role in disease management, yet concerns are rarely systematically assessed by health professionals.

DOI

10.1111/j.1744-6155.2011.00292.x

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