Medical Trauma in IBD: Addressing an Overlooked Challenge in Young Adults
Young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face not only the physical toll of their condition but also the psychological weight of medical trauma, according to an abstract presented at the Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases annual meeting.
These experiences, stemming from invasive procedures, chronic disease management, and unpleasant medical interventions, can profoundly impact their mental health and ability to navigate young adulthood, investigators stated in the abstract.
A comprehensive literature review by researchers highlighted the scarcity of resources addressing medical trauma in young IBD patients. The study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies, collaborative care, and patient-centered tools to mitigate these effects.
The researchers outlined a roadmap for developing a toolkit tailored to this demographic, with domains including coping strategies, self-advocacy, communication with care teams, and emotional support. Input from gastroenterologists and psychologists refined the toolkit’s components. The study also stresses the importance of systemic interventions to prevent trauma, calling for collaboration among health care providers, advocates, and system leaders.
“Patients must be given appropriate tools to convey their experiences about medical trauma to improve lifelong outcomes,” the authors noted. They called for further research on the long-term effects of medical trauma and interventions tailored to young adults with IBD.
Medical trauma in young adults with IBD is a significant yet underrecognized issue, with the potential to exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The findings highlight the urgency of addressing this overlooked aspect of IBD care. Equipping patients with the tools to manage and communicate their experiences could lead to better lifelong outcomes, while systemic changes in care delivery could help prevent medical trauma in the first place.
Reference:
Rouse M, Dave S, Kelekian R, Keefer L, Lee S, Taye Y. Addressing medical trauma in young adults with inflammatory bowel disease: a roadmap for patient-centered resources and collaborative care. Presented at: Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Disease annual meeting; December 9-11, 2024. Orlando, Florida.
