Routine mental health screening in IBD clinics may significantly improve patient engagement with psychogastroenterology care, according to data presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026.
In a University of Chicago study, a single IBD specialist who integrated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening into routine visits generated the highest number of psychogastroenterology referrals and significantly better follow-up rates compared with clinics without embedded screening. The findings reinforce the growing role of integrated, team-based care in IBD, where mental health support is increasingly viewed as a core component of disease management rather than a separate service.