Editorial: Severe mental illnesses in children: unravelling developmental trajectories, neuropsychiatric impairments, and chronic pain.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that is characterized by a relapsing–remitting course []. IBD is broadly classified into 2 main subtypes, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), which differ in their clinical presentation, anatomical distribution and histopathological features [-]. IBD can affect people at any age, but is most frequently diagnosed in young adults aged between 20 and 40 years [-]. The global burden of IBD is increasing []. The exact etiology of IBD remains unclear, though genetic, environmental and microbial factors have all been implicated [,]. Current treatment strategies rely on corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologic agents and small molecules, with surgical intervention reserved for refractory or complicated cases. However, immunosuppressive therapies increase susceptibility to infections, complicating disease management [,]. This highlights the importance of preventive care in patients with IBD [], particularly with regard to adherence to recommended immunizations. In addition to the risk of infection, patients with IBD face a higher likelihood of developing certain malignancies, most notably colorectal cancer (CRC) [], warranting both age-appropriate and disease-specific surveillance []. Assessment of nutritional status is also essential, since malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common in IBD, underscoring the need for routine screening and dietary interventions []. Similarly, osteopenia and osteoporosis are also prevalent, prompting recommendations for bone density screening []. Furthermore, the chronic and debilitating nature of IBD significantly impacts quality of life, making regular screening for depression and anxiety an integral component of comprehensive care. Lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use, also require close monitoring, as smoking has particularly detrimental effects in CD [].