Depressive mood and disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease

Background and study aim: Some mood disorders are more prevalent in chronic medical conditions compared with the general population. The relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psychiatric disorders has been raised as an area of interest for investigation. In this study, we aimed to assess the probable relationship between depression and disease activity in IBD patients in Golestan province, northeast of Iran. Patients and methods: During February 2008 to February 2010, 50 patients recently diagnosed as IBD cases attended the Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (GRCGH), northeast of Iran. The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) was used to evaluate the disease activity. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Depression was assumed when the BDI score was 13 points or higher. Results: Sixteen cases (32%) had depressive characteristics. SCCAI and the Beck score were not significantly different between the two sexes. There was a non-significant correlation between SCCAI, Beck score, age and body mass index (BMI). Conclusions: We reported a relatively high percent of depression in IBD patients, although no significant relationship was seen. © 2012 Arab Journal of Gastroenterology