Psychological Aspects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease ― A Biopsychosocial Approach

In the Western world around 360 in every 100,000 individuals have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a relapsing-remitting autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Its impact on individual functioning across physical and psychosocial domains is significant and psychological distress is a common feature, with research suggesting that active IBD is associated with one of the highest rates of depression and anxiety of all chronic illnesses.

Despite the high prevalence of mental health co-morbidities in IBD, psychological illness remains largely undertreated, with studies showing that 60% of IBD patients experiencing mental health problems do not receive adequate help. In this book, Knowles and Mikocka-Walus bring together world experts who practice integrated and holistic approach in their care for IBD patients, to provide an overview of research across a range of topics associated with the biopsychosocial treatment of IBD. Each chapter provides an up-to-date comprehensive consolidation and evaluation of the current literature alongside recommendations for practice.

Key themes include:

• current understanding of the interrelationship of the neurological and biological aspects of IBD
• common concerns and issues individuals with IBD face
• exploring challenges across individual life-stages
• current evidence for psychosocial interventions
• recommendations for future directions of biopsychosocial work.

Psychological Aspects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A biopsychosocial approach is a key resource for researchers, practitioners and academics considering psychosocial aspects of the disease and psychological interventions. It will also appeal to health psychologists and mental health practitioners working with clients with IBD, as well as gastroenterologists interested in a comprehensive and holistic approach to IBD management.

Simon R. Knowles is Senior Lecturer of Psychology at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. His research and clinical interests include biopsychosocial aspects of gastroenterology. Simon runs an active private clinical psychology practice that specialises in working with individuals with chronic illnesses of the gastrointestinal system. He has several honorary positions including Melbourne University, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and St Vincent’s Hospital (Melbourne).

Antonina A. Mikocka-Walus is Senior Lecturer and Lead of Psychology in Relation to Health at the University of York, UK, and Visiting Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Adelaide, Australia. She specialises in psycho-gastroenterology and conducts studies on psychotherapies and antidepressant treatment in chronic gastrointestinal conditions.