Meta-analysis finds high anxiety and depression prevalence in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Photo by Peter Burdon / Unsplash

Journal of psychiatric research Published May 2, 2026 Medically reviewed May 7, 2026 Study authors: Xu Tingting, Chen Yanhong, Shen Qiqi, Dai Sichao, Yan Haohao, Ren Jianjuan PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

Key Takeaway

Consider routine mental health screening for anxiety and depression in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

This is a meta-analysis of studies on anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease. The authors synthesized pooled prevalence data from 14 studies for anxiety symptoms (1,574 subjects) and 35 studies for depressive symptoms (4,426 subjects).

The main findings are a pooled prevalence of 12% for anxiety symptoms (95% CI: 7%-17%) and 15% for depressive symptoms (95% CI: 11%-19%). For anxiety disorders, the pooled prevalence was 9% (95% CI: 5%-14%) from 6 studies (168,378 subjects), and for depressive disorders, it was 8% (95% CI: 5%-11%) from 7 studies (168,475 subjects). The analysis also reported a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety disorders (HR 1.95) and depressive disorders (HR 1.65).

The authors note that the pooled estimates are based on a random-effects model and that heterogeneity was examined via subgroup and sensitivity analyses. A key limitation is that the source reports association, not causation.

The practice relevance highlighted is that routine mental health screening is essential for early intervention. The findings suggest a substantial burden of psychological comorbidities in this population, but the evidence is observational.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

PMID41687568

View Original Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, their prevalence and impact in children and adolescents with IBD remain poorly defined. This meta-analysis aimed (i) to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this population and (ii) to explore the association between these psychological issues and IBD. METHODS: A thorough search of Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed from inception through February 1, 2025, was conducted. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Pooled prevalence estimates, odds ratios (ORs), and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to examine sources of heterogeneity and assess result robustness. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 48 studies with 189,032 children and adolescents with IBD. Pooled prevalence estimates were as follows: anxiety symptoms (12%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%-17%; k [number of studies] = 14; n [number of subjects] = 1574); anxiety disorders (9%; 95% CI: 5%-14%; k = 6; n = 168,378); depressive symptoms (15%; 95% CI: 11%-19%; k = 35; n = 4426); and depressive disorder (8%; 95% CI: 5%-11%; k = 7; n = 168,475). Pooled HRs indicated a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety and depressive disorders in this population, with HRs of 1.95 and 1.65, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with IBD face a substantial burden of anxiety and depression. Routine mental health screening is essential for early intervention and comprehensive management of these comorbidities.