A medical issue affecting the diagnosis of mood, attention and autistic disorders: a closer look at celiac disease and gluten sensitivity

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to highlight important medical advances around the presentation of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and their implications as potential differential diagnoses for mood, attention and autistic disorders. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder associated with gluten consumption. An overview of the recent scientific literature relevant to psychologists is provided along with a discussion of implications for therapy. Conclusion: Psychologists can significantly contribute to the reduction of serious psycho-socio-medical problems affecting a segment of the population by ruling out celiac disease and gluten sensitivity before initiating treatment of mood, attention, and autistic disorders. While not all people suffering from these psychological disorders will improve on a gluten-free diet, the dramatic remission displayed by a subgroup of people under a gluten-free diet makes the consideration important in new treatment protocols by psychologists and health professionals.