Behavioral Functioning and Treatment Adherence in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Review and Recommendations for Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the existing research pertaining to behavioral functioning and treatment adherence in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), discuss potential effects of behavioral dysfunction on adherence, and provide clinical recommendations for assessment and treatment options. An updated literature review in pediatric IBD is presented, and research across chronic conditions supports the plausibility of negative consequences of patient and family behavioral problems on disease management. Clinical recommendations include use of multimethod assessment of treatment adherence, routine screening for behavioral difficulties, patient-provider discussion of behavioral issues and disease management during clinic visits, and increased attention to the process of gradually transitioning responsibility of disease management from parents to adolescents as patients approach adulthood.