Diverticular disease is associated with an increased incidence rate of depression and anxiety disorders.

backgroundDiverticular disease represents a gastrointestinal disorder of high prevalence in developed countries that often leads to psychological distress. Here, we aimed at evaluating a potential association between diverticular disease and depression or anxiety disorders in outpatients in Germany.

methodsUsing the Disease Analyzer database featuring data of over 8 million patients treated in German general practices, we identified 61.556 patients with diverticular disease (ICD-10: K57) who were 1:1 matched by age, sex, index year, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index to 61.556 patients without diverticular disease. The association between diverticular disease and depression or anxiety disorders was evaluated in Cox regression models.

resultsWithin 5 years after the initial diagnosis of diverticular disease, 14.0% of patients with and 10.6% of individuals without diverticular disease were diagnosed with depression (HR 1.34, 95%CI 1.29-1.39, p < 0.001). Similarly, the incidence of anxiety disorder was significantly higher in patients with diverticular disease (HR 1.55, 95%CI 1.46-1.64, p < 0.001). Finally, the prescription rate for antidepressant drugs was significantly higher in diverticular disease patients compared to individuals without diverticular disease (9.4% vs. 6.1%, HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.49-1.62, p < 0.001). These associations were confirmed for different age groups and both sexes.

conclusionOur data provide evidence that diverticular disease is associated with an increased incidence of depression and anxiety disorders. Despite that fact that confounding factors such as deprivation and patient personality have to be taken into account, we suggest that patients with diverticular disease are regularly screened for symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.