Antidepressants and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Author Information
Author(s): Mikocka-Walus Antonina A, Turnbull Deborah A, Moulding Nicole T, Wilson Ian G, Andrews Jane M, Holtmann Gerald J
Primary Institution: University of Adelaide
Hypothesis
Does treating psychological co-morbidities with antidepressants help control disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease?
Conclusion
Most reviewed papers suggest a beneficial effect of antidepressants in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, but reliable data is lacking.
Supporting Evidence
- 12 relevant publications were identified, all referring to non-randomised studies.
- Antidepressants like paroxetine and bupropion were suggested to be effective for treating symptoms in IBD patients.
- Amitriptyline was found ineffective for treating somatic symptoms of IBD.
- Mirtazapine was not recommended for IBD patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether antidepressants can help people with gut problems feel better. It found some hints that they might help, but we need more good studies to be sure.
Methodology
The authors conducted a systematic review of studies published between 1990 and 2005 that examined the use of antidepressants in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include selection, performance, attrition, and detection bias due to the uncontrolled nature of the studies.
Limitations
The studies reviewed were mostly non-randomised and lacked control groups, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
The studies included 20 patients, with some suffering from Crohn's disease and others from ulcerative colitis; demographics were not fully specified.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website