Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet in a Teenager Presenting With Psychosis

Cureus. 2023 Jul 13;15(7):e41807. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41807. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Nonceliac gluten sensitivity is a gluten-related disorder that results from immune-mediated reactions in predisposed people. It manifests usually with gastrointestinal symptoms; however, in rare cases, it might present with psychiatric symptoms that could be severe enough to impair functioning. In this case report, we present a case of a 15-year-old girl, with no past psychiatric history, who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with anxiety symptoms and paranoid delusion that did not improve on conventional treatment. However, a significant improvement was observed upon starting on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This case adds to the existing literature, suggesting a possible strong relationship between gluten ingestion and psychiatric disorders.

Keywords: auto immune; gluten; gluten-free diet; psychosis; sensitivity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports