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. 2025 May 12;31(5):1248-1255.
doi: 10.1093/ibd/izae151.

Consensus Statement on Managing Anxiety and Depression in Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Laurie Hinnant  1 , Nicholas Rios Villacorta  1 , Eliza Chen  1 , Donna Bacchus  2 , Jennifer Dotson  3   4 , Ruby Greywoode  5 , Laurie Keefer  6 , Stephen Lupe  7 , Leah Maggs  8 , Garrett Meek  9 , Eva Szigethy  10   11 , Kathryn Tomasino  12 , Orna G Ehrlich  13 , Sylvia Ehle  13
Affiliations

Consensus Statement on Managing Anxiety and Depression in Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Laurie Hinnant et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Studies have found a higher risk of comorbid anxiety and depression among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared with healthy individuals. If left untreated, comorbid depression and anxiety in patients with IBD can lead to poorer health outcomes and an increased healthcare utilization. The goal of this work was to develop a consensus statement to begin to address patient and provider needs and responsibilities related to screening and treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with IBD.

Methods: A literature scan was conducted to gather evidence-based background information and recommendations on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with IBD. This was followed by the engagement of a panel of IBD and mental health experts and patient advocates using a modified Delphi process to synthesize the literature and distill the information into a core set of statements to support provider actions and care delivery.

Results: Six statements were distilled from the literature and consensus process that link to the general management, screening, and treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with IBD.

Conclusions: Mental healthcare and support for IBD patients is critical; the statements included in this article represent practical considerations for IBD healthcare professionals in addressing key issues on provider awareness, knowledge and behaviors, screening and treatment resources, and patient education.

Keywords: IBD; anxiety; depression; inflammatory bowel disease; screening; treatment.

Plain language summary

This work aimed to develop a consensus statement on screening and treatment of anxiety and depression in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. A literature scan was conducted, and an expert panel developed practical statements to guide inflammatory bowel disease healthcare professionals.

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Conflict of interest statement

L.K. has served as a consultant to Pfizer; has served as a scientific advisor to Trellus Health and Coprata Health; and is co-founder and equity owner of Trellus Health. S.L. has served as a scientific advisor for Ayble Health and Boomerang Health; and as a consultant for Takeda Pharmaceuticals. All additional authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Graphical Abstract
Graphical Abstract
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Modified Delphi process,
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flowchart for article search, screening, retrieval, and review. CCF, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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