DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN ADULT CELIAC-DISEASE

Background: Psychic symptoms and depression have been reported in coel iac disease (CD). The aim of this study was to explore depression in a large cohort of adult CD patients. Methods: Depressive symptoms were evaluated in 92 adult coeliacs, 100 normal controls (NC), and 48 chron ic persistent hepatitis (CPH) patients by means of a modified version of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (M-SDS). CD patients were eva luated for the level of knowledge about CD and the compliance with die t. Results: The M-SDS score differentiated CD patients from NC. Age at diagnosis and duration of and compliance with diet did not correlate with depression. Three main factors could be identified with the M-SDS : 'reactiveness', 'pessimism', and 'anhedonic-asthenic'. Conclusion: D epressive symptoms are a feature of CD; they are present to a similar extent in patients with childhood-and adulthood-diagnosed CD. The resu lts underline the relevance of personal psychologic resources, which p lay a fundamental role in determining and sustaining depression.