Illness-specific anxiety: Implications for functioning and utilization of medical services in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

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.