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Psychological Impacts of Celiac Disease

How can a problem in the gut impact psychological functioning? What is the gut-brain connection and which areas of psychological functioning are most affected by celiac disease?

Latest Research on Celiac Disease and Brain Disorders and Mental Health

6/11/2021: Brain fog survey reveals details about the symptom – Brain fog is a symptom that gets a lot of attention in the celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity communities, but not as much attention from researchers.
6/2/2021: The burden of celiac disease includes ongoing symptoms, missed workdays and disordered eating – Young adults with celiac disease may have more anxiety, disordered eating attitudes and beliefs, and a lower quality of life, a study suggests.
3/22/2021 – Neurological and psychological symptoms of celiac disease exposed by Go Beyond Celiac – data from the Go Beyond Celiac Gluten Exposure Survey highlights a number of neurological and psychological symptoms that celiac disease patients report experiencing after exposure to gluten
6/11/2020: Children with celiac disease at greater risk of mental health disorders – About one-third of children with celiac disease have mental health disorders, primarily anxiety disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study.
3/25/2020: Brain images show celiac disease-related damage – Brain injury, cognitive deficiency and mental health issues tied to gluten exposure, study finds.

There is a big link between celiac disease and psychological function. Anxiety, depression and fatigue are common issues reported in celiac disease patients prior to diagnosis. Side effects of celiac disease can affect the brain in various ways, lowering quality of life for those suffering from untreated celiac disease or even after diagnosis.

Understanding the Link between Celiac Disease and Psychological Disorders

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.

Research shows that celiac can manifest itself through psychological problems impacting thinking, emotions and more.

Psychological Issues Associated with Celiac Disease

Brain fog
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
ADHD
Ataxia
Eating disorders
Memory lapse
Headaches
Attention difficulty

Mental Health Recovery Post-Celiac Disease Diagnosis

Your brain may need help recovering after diagnosis and starting the gluten-free diet.

Exercise daily about 30 minutes
Be vigilant with the gluten-free diet
Consult with a knowledgeable registered dietitian or specialized doctor
Supplements often recommended such as Vitamin B and digestive enzymes
Other organs may be damaged and require care such as the thyroid, talk to a doctor about suggested testing

Some studies reveal complete remission of depression, anxiety and irritability with gluten-free diet, especially with younger populations. Other studies, especially on depression, are associated with mixed results.

Possible Reasons for Continued Psychological Issues After Going Gluten-Free

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.

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Information on this page is based partially on the Beyond Celiac webinar, “It’s Not Just In Your Head: The Psychological Impacts of Celiac Disease,” featuring Marie-Nathalie Beaudoin, PhD, training director at Bay Area Family Therapy & Training Associates. Note: This webinar was held when Beyond Celiac was still known as the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

Download the webinar slides here.