Authors
Jennifer Burns
Publication date
2023
Institution
University of Glasgow
Description
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers predominantly to two chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the intestinal tract (Ulcerative Colitis [UC] and Crohn’s Disease [CD]; NHS, 2020). Common symptoms include greater frequency/urgency of bowel movements, diarrhoea, weight loss, stomach pain, anal bleeding, fatigue, or even growth failure (Raza et al., 2019). Individuals experience ‘flare-ups’, whereby symptoms significantly worsen, followed by periods of remission. Treatment options vary depending on stage and severity of disease; however, many have negative side effects. Options include medications, lifestyle adaptations, dietary restrictions, and/or routine endoscopic procedures. One in five people with severe UC and between 60-75% with severe CD will require surgery (NHS, 2020). Psychosocial impacts of IBD are extensive, including reduced quality of life, emotional distress, increased mental health (MH) difficulties, and poorer interpersonal relationships (Knowles et al., 2018a). The emotional consequences of IBD can exacerbate symptoms, creating a vicious cycle between physical and MH difficulties (Sun et al., 2019).