Psychological Impacts of Celiac Disease

Negative mental impacts can happen to those with celiac disease for a variety of reasons, including:

• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency
  
  • Damaged gut is unable to assimilate certain nutrients essential to proper functioning of a number of organs
  • Damaged villi cannot properly process and assimilate a number of nutrients, particularly: Vitamin B, such as B6, B12, & Folate, Iron, Vitamin D, K, and Calcium
  • The body becomes unable to produce enough tryptophan and other monoamine precursors needed for the production of key neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
  • This biochemical imbalance in the brain is associated with emotional problems.
• Toxins
  
  • Celiac disease is also associated with “leaky gut” syndrome.
  • Poorly digested food overtax filtering organs such as the liver.
  • Some toxins affect opioid receptors of the brain.
• Immune response
  
  • Inflammation is the body’s natural response to assault.
  • Production of antibodies against own tissue.
  • Swelling, i.e. abdominal, joint pain, headaches, hypoperfusion in brain.
  • Production of stress hormones.
  • Byproducts of digestion end up in the bloodstream and affect different parts of the body such as joints.
• Secondary disease, i.e. thyroid malfunctioning
  
  • After many years of this regimen, organs can become chronically affected and develop primary diseases.
  • Common example is thyroid disease: Studies show that in people who have celiac AND depression, up to 80% of them have a comorbid thyroid disease.

Some possible reasons for continued celiac disease-related mental health problems after starting the gluten-free diet:

• Non-adherence to the gluten-free diet
• Unidentified food intolerances
• Thyroid problems
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Lengthy recovery period
• Difficulties accepting dietary change and its social implications
• Habitual ways of experiencing life

After many years of living in a bubble of discomfort, many forget to really live moments of well-being, satisfaction or joy. An official diagnosis can bring relief to many; however, others can feel emotionally secluded after starting the gluten-free diet, feeling isolated socially or having anxiety or frustration over complying with the gluten-free diet.

Some people reconnect with well-being through mindfulness exercises where they learn to “inhabit” moments of well-being. Meditation has been found to increase cortical thickness. Studies show that connecting with others also enhances people’s ability to handle the gluten-free diet. Some forms of counseling or brief therapy can provide personalized education and support with regards to integrating the gluten-free diet in the particularities of your life.