A new survey out from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has shown the need for better emotional and mental health support when it comes to treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The resulting report, supported by IBD drug maker Bristol Myers Squibb and published by the AGA, comes from a survey of just over 1,000 people aged between 18 and 59 and diagnosed with IBD.
This found that more than 1 in 3 of those respondents report being diagnosed with anxiety (36%) and depression (35%), as well as IBD, and the AGA points out in a press release that these rates “are well above the U.S. national averages (19% and 8% respectively).”
It also adds that the rates of anxiety specifically have risen since the last report, undertaken six years ago, when the rate was 30%, showing that this may be a growing problem among this patient population.
But despite these high rates of anxiety and depression in IBD patients, the AGA said a companion survey of 117 gastroenterologists “found that providers are more concerned about treating people with IBD physically than emotionally, and they often report mental health is sufficiently addressed in their patients' IBD care.”
To help with this, the AGA, also with a “support grant” from BMS, is launching a new campaign called “My IBD Life,” which focuses around a new website and resources that include personal stories about IBD and 3D models to help patients imagine IBD in their bodies.
“People living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis face many obstacles, which can take a toll on their mental health,” said Laurie Keefer, Ph.D., a psychologist at Mount Sinai who specializes in chronic digestive diseases and an adviser to the AGA "My IBD Life" campaign, in the release.
“This is especially true given that many people are newly navigating this chronic condition in their 20s or 30s, while also balancing growing their careers, forming new relationships and starting families.”
BMS markets Zeposia for the IBD condition ulcerative colitis, nabbing approval in 2021, a year after its first approval in multiple sclerosis. The drug made $250 million last year but is expected to reach blockbuster status.