Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in the adolescent.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that often presents in adolescence. The characteristic manifestations, exacerbations, and treatment of the disease affect the adolescent's physical, physiological, and psychological development. Body image, self-esteem, and dependence/independence issues may lead to noncompliance, further complicating the disease process and its management. This article will review IBD and present treatment options and interventions in the care of the adolescent with IBD.