Another small study in 20 people with celiac disease reported that participants had higher levels of anxiety before starting a gluten-free diet than after adhering to it for 1 year (5).
However, other studies have observed conflicting findings.
For example, one study found that women with celiac disease were more likely to have anxiety, compared to the general population, even after following a gluten-free diet (6).
It is noteworthy that living with family was also associated with a higher risk of anxiety disorders in the study, which may be attributed to the stress caused by purchasing and preparing meals for how to get australia whatsapp number family members with and without celiac disease (6).
Additionally, a 2020 study in 283 people with celiac disease reported a high incidence of anxiety in those with celiac disease and found that adherence to a gluten-free diet did not significantly improve anxiety symptoms.
So while following a gluten-free diet might decrease anxiety for some with celiac disease, it may make no difference to anxiety levels or even contribute to stress and anxiety in others.
More research is needed to evaluate the effects of a gluten-free diet on anxiety in people with celiac disease.
Summary
Celiac disease is associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders. While research has found mixed results, some studies show that following a gluten-free diet may decrease anxiety in people with celiac disease.