Frequency and risk factors for mental disorders following pancreatitis: a nationwide cohort study

Objective: To investigate the frequency and risk factors for mental disorders following pancreatitis.

Methods: Patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) were identified (n?=?18,074) from a nationwide database in New Zealand (1998–2015). They were followed from their first hospital admissions for AP or CP to incident mental disorders. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Results: CP (vs AP) was associated with a significantly higher risk of mental disorders (adjusted HR?=?2.00 95% CI?=?1.53–2.62]). Pre-existing diabetes (adjusted HR?=?8.99 95% CI?=?6.23–12.96] for AP and adjusted HR?=?3.42 95% CI?=?2.37–4.96] for CP) and post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (adjusted HR?=?7.10 95% CI?=?4.14–12.19] for AP and adjusted HR?=?2.97 95% CI?=?1.83–4.82] for CP) were risk factors for mental disorders in individuals following pancreatitis. Severe (adjusted HR?=?2.07 95% CI?=?1.39–3.06] vs mild) and recurrent (adjusted HR?=?1.62 95% CI?=?1.07–2.45] vs single episode) attacks were associated with significantly higher risks of mental disorders following AP.

Conclusions: Patients following CP, recurrent AP, severe AP, and those with diabetes are at high risk for developing mental disorders.