UNDERSTANDING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN ANXIETY AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS: PREVALENCE, BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP, MECHANISMS, AND INFLUENTIAL FACTORS Authors: Kumar S And Chitra V*
ABSTRACT
This review explores the intricate relationship between anxiety and ulcerative colitis (UC), a
chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anxiety is a prevalent psychological condition
among UC patients, affecting their overall well-being. Research indicates a bidirectional
relationship where anxiety can exacerbate UC symptoms and the disease's unpredictable nature
can induce anxiety. Studies show a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in IBD patients,
ranging from 24.4% to 31.9% for anxiety and 21.8% to 25.8% for depression. Notably, during
relapses, anxiety prevalence can rise to 80%. UC significantly impacts patients' lives, affecting
daily activities, self-esteem, and social interactions, extending to their families and households.
Effective UC management is crucial to alleviating the emotional burden. Treatments that
induce remission, including biological therapies, improve the quality of life (QoL). However,
challenges like treatment contraindications persist. Patient education and psychological support
are essential in holistic care. This review underscores the importance of recognizing anxiety in
UC patients, its bidirectional influence, and the need for comprehensive care strategies. It
provides insights into the prevalence, mechanisms, and factors influencing the anxiety-UC
relationship, emphasizing the bidirectional impact on ulcerative colitis patients.
Keywords: ulcerative colitis, anxiety, prevalence, bidirectional relationship, dietary factors Publication date: 15/10/2023 https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/October/MS_IJBPAS_2023_OCTOBER_SPCL_1031.pdfDownload PDFhttps://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.10.1031