Psychological Implications Triggered by Coeliac Diagnosis & Treatment

The eating habits can be associated with family and cultural values, and eating can often be linked to the individual¿s feelings. Since CD treatment entails the withdrawal of many typical Brazilian dishes, such condition implicates a compulsory rupture of eating habits, and this loss may cause suffering, loss of affection, and decline in the patient¿s quality of life. The adherence of a gluten free diet depends on numerous factors such as: acknowledgement and acceptance of the illness, which includes cultural, intellectual and psychological aspects; financial possibilities of the family and access to appropriate foods; and the patient¿s own attitude. This study differs from other studies for its attention to the existing loophole in academic literature on the importance of subjective aspects, emotional and social matters that affect such patients, which are of extreme importance for the treatment¿s success and the quality of life of the patients.