A look at well-being, expectations and psychological adaptation in coeliac disease, from a biopsychosocial perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67799/prolepsis.2026.13.1.01Keywords:
celiac disease, quality of life, biopsycho-social perspective, emotional symptoms, psychological supportAbstract
Background: Coeliac disease (CD) has an impact that extends beyond the digestive system, affecting emotional, social and cognitive aspects that significantly influence quality of life. Its biological dimension is closely interlinked with the physical, social and psychological aspects, such that any change in one of these tends to have an effect on the others. Method: Through a systematic review, this paper provides an up-to-date synthesis of eleven recent studies. It analyses, from a biopsychosocial perspective, the main factors involved in the subjective perception of a loss of well-being. Results: Evidence suggests that anxiety arising from constant vigilance, the social burden associated with dietary management, fatigue and certain cognitive processes contribute to a state of persistent distress. This situation persists even when physical symptoms are successfully kept under control. Conclusion: The constant, multifactorial emotional burden calls for new approaches with a holistic and cross-cutting scope. It is necessary to provide psychological counselling and strategies for adapting to chronic conditions tailored to each individual. Utilising this synergy through psychology not only alleviates distress but also improves adherence to the gluten-free diet (GFD), thereby having a positive impact on overall well-being.
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