Lived experience in people with inflammatory bowel disease and co-morbid anxiety and depression in the UK and Australia

This study explored the lived experience of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety/depression. It utilised a deductive biopsychosocial framework. Overall, 24 patients and 20 healthcare professionals from two countries participated. In the UK, the main themes included: 1) Bidirectional relationship between IBD and mental health, 2) The need for health care integration, 3) Lack of awareness about the disease. In Australia: 1) The “vicious cycle” of IBD and psychosocial health; 2) The need for biopsychosocial healthcare integration; and 3) The stigma of a hidden disease. Better communication around mental illness is essential in improving IBD healthcare.