Celiac disease, a disorder characterized by gluten intolerance, is associated with anxiety. Autism is also associated with anxiety. Some believe that autism can be treated with a gluten-free diet just as celiac disease can. Anxiety may have a variety of causes, including psychological distress or biological function. Whether a gluten-free diet can treat anxiety depends on the cause of the anxiety.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder triggered by consumption of the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. The condition causes an immune response that damages or destroys villi, protrusions lining the small intestine that allow nutrients from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The damage prevents nutrients from being absorbed by the body, leading to malnourishment. Celiac disease can be effectively managed through dietary changes.
Association
People with untreated celiac disease have a higher risk of anxiety, according to a 2003 study published by Tiziana Fera and colleagues in the "European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology." The researchers suggested that this increased risk is a result of the difficulty of adjusting to the disease. People with celiac disease may also experience dysfunction related to the neurotransmitter serotonin because of an impaired availability of tryptophan. This can cause increased vulnerability to behavioral disorders, according to a study published by Päivi A Pynnönen and colleagues in "BMC Psychiatry."
Diet
State anxiety and trait anxiety are two kinds of anxiety. State anxiety refers to a temporary condition of anxiety, while trait anxiety refers to a more permanent characteristic.
A gluten-free diet may reduce incidences of state anxiety in people with celiac disease, according to a study published by G. Addolorato in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology." However, a gluten-free diet may also increase psychological distress because of financial burdens and social restrictions, according to a 2010 study published by Winfried Häuser and colleagues in the "World Journal of Gastroenterology."
Considerations
A gluten free diet may increase risk of depressive symptoms, according to the 2003 "European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology" study. Psychological support can increase gluten diet compliance, according to a 2004 study published by G. Addolorato and colleagues in "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics."
Autism
Children with high-functioning autism or Aspergers syndrome have a higher risk of anxiety, according to a study published by Joseph A. Kim and colleagues in "Autism." A gluten-free diet may reduce anxiety symptoms in autistic children, according to a 2008 study published by Peerkhan Nazni and colleagues in the "Iranian Journal of Pediatrics."
References
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology;" Anxiety But Not Depression Decreases in Coeliac Patients After One-Year Gluten-free Diet: A Longitudinal Study; G. Addolorato; May 2001.
- "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics;" Psychological Support Counseling Improves Gluten Free Diet Compliance in Coelic Patients with Affective Disorders; G. Addolorato, et al.; October 2004.
- "European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology;" Affective Disorders and Quality of Life in Adult Coeliac Patients on a Gluten-Free Diet; Tiziana Fera, et al.; December 2003.
- "Iranian Journal of Pediatrics;" Impact of Casein and Gluten Free Dietary Intervention on Selected Autistic Children; Peerkhan Nazni, et al.; September 2008.
- "BMC Psychiatry;" Gluten-free Diet May Alleviate Depressive and Behavioural Symptoms in Adolescents with Coeliac Disease: a Prospective Follow-up Case-series Study;Päivi A Pynnönen, et al.; 2005.
