Psychosocial aspects of inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic and potentially disabling diseases, affecting about 90 to 300 per 100,000 people in the general population. Although sign ificant gains have been made in our understanding of these diseases, partic ularly with respect to pathophysiology and treatment, its etiology is still unknown. IBD is a significant disease that can severely impact one's psych ological and social well-being. This article reviews the literature on the psychosocial aspects of IBD. We also address the importance of conceptualiz ing IBD from a biopsychosocial perspective, considering psychosocial factor s along with disease activity. The biopsychosocial approach offers a broade ned perspective that reflects the many factors that may contribute to the e xpression and maintenance of IBD symptoms. Issues of concerns for patients with IBD are also discussed. Finally, we highlight the importance of establ ishing a collaborative therapeutic relationship between patients and their physicians, facilitating open and honest discussions acknowledging patients ' fears and concerns. In doing so, much of these IBD-related issues of conc erns may be ameliorated, potentially improving one's coping abilities, and lead to an improved quality of life for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.