Think With Your Gut: A Retrospective Analysis on the Effects of Chronic Gastrointestinal Illness and Psychiatric Comorbidities.

Background: As mental health awareness increases, healthcare professionals must understand the interplay between chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and psychological well-being, particularly regarding healthcare utilization. This study uniquely aggregates various chronic GI disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis, to examine their impact on depression and anxiety. Methods: Utilizing a retrospective observational design, we analyzed data from 34,876 patients admitted to HCA national hospitals from January 2016 to December 2022. Results: We found that patients with GI conditions and comorbid psychiatric disorders had significantly higher readmission rates and longer hospital stays compared to those without mental health diagnoses. Results indicated that patients with GI disorders and depression or anxiety were 1.29 times more likely to be readmitted within 90 days and had 1.50 times longer hospital stay. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of integrated care approaches addressing physical and mental health in managing chronic GI conditions. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to enhance mental health management and improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.