Osharow, H., Bieniak, K., & Tran, S. T. (2024, May 13) Higher rates of anxiety and depression are found in youth with abdominal pain disorders. [Poster Presentation]. 2024 DePaul Psych Night, Chicago, IL, United States.

Abstract 

Background

Anxiety and depression occur more frequently in youth with chronic pain than in youth without. However, there are currently no systematic reviews that explore prevalence rates of comorbidities between pediatric chronic abdominal pain, anxiety, and depression.  The purpose of this study is to assess co-occurring mental health disorders with pediatric chronic abdominal pain. 

Methods

Included studies must be peer-reviewed, published in an academic journal, and written in English. Second, the study must assess a pediatric sample (<18 years old); participants must have a chronic abdominal pain condition. Finally, to ensure studies utilized the most accurate diagnostic and symptom criteria for the relevant mental health conditions, only research published from 2013 on will be included, as that is when the DSM-V was published. 

Preliminary findings

 Anxiety:

9 of 11 articles reported the frequency of participants at or above clinical cutoffs for anxiety.​

Between 10.2-57% of participants met clinical cutoffs for anxiety. 

Depression:

8 of 11 articles reported the frequency of participants at or above clinical cutoffs for depression. ​​

Between 6.2-45% of participants met clinical cutoffs for depression.

Clinical Implications

The results will be relevant for healthcare providers working with children suffering from chronic pain so that they can more efficiently screen for likely comorbidities. This information can also inform the development of interventions that aim to better address the complex and intersecting symptoms of chronic abdominal pain and mental health conditions.

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