Is there a link between arthritis and depression?

Is there a link between arthritis and depression?

Rheumatoid arthritis can take a toll on your mental health. The disease is known for causing pain, stiff joints, and fatigue, but it can also lead to depression. In fact, if you have RA, you’re two to four times as likely to have depression as someone who doesn’t have it.

Which of the following is linked to depression among persons with rheumatoid arthritis?

Comorbid depression is common with RA and leads to worse health outcomes. Low socioeconomic status, gender, age, race/ethnicity, functional limitation, pain and poor clinical status have all been linked to depression among persons with RA.

What does research say about depression?

Research suggests that depression doesn’t spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, medications, and medical problems.

How does arthritis affect mental health?

Not only are symptoms of anxiety and depression common among US adults with arthritis, these symptoms have also been associated with reduced response to arthritis treatment and poorer quality of life. Improving mental health can even reduce pain, independent of other pain management strategies.

Is joint pain a symptom of depression?

Physical symptoms are common in depression, and, in fact, vague aches and pain are often the presenting symptoms of depression. These symptoms include chronic joint pain, limb pain, back pain, gastrointestinal problems, tiredness, sleep disturbances, psychomotor activity changes, and appetite changes.

Does anxiety affect arthritis?

The longer you’re exposed to stress, the more destructive the inflammation can become. In a PLoS One study, people with RA identified stress as a trigger for disease flare-ups. Arthritis symptoms contribute to stress, especially when they’re unrelenting.

Is there anything new in the field of depression?

A new study looking at interactions among sleep, energy, activity level, and mood suggests that instability in activity and sleep systems could lead to mood changes. The findings suggest new targets for depression treatment.

Does arthritis affect the brain?

People with RA are more likely to have narrowed or blocked arteries in the brain – the result of systemic inflammation. This can cause problems with memory, thinking and reasoning. Arthritis Meds. Methotrexate is a mainstay of RA treatment and corticosteroids are sometimes used for short-term pain relief.

Why are people with arthritis more likely to be depressed?

The vicious cycle of pain, poor health and negative mood can significantly change the course and management of your arthritis. Many studies have shown clearly that people with arthritis with the highest pain levels are the most likely to be anxious or depressed. Exactly why higher pain severity is associated with depression is not clear.

Is there comorbid depression in rheumatoid arthritis?

Comorbid depression can increase medical utilization and healthcare costs in RA. 4,5 Thus, the management of depression in rheumatology care represents a formidable challenge for both patients and health service providers alike.

When to diagnose depression with rheumatoid arthritis?

For some patients, however, depression is more serious, reaching or surpassing a clinical threshold. An adjustment disorder with depressed mood is diagnosed when depressed mood and/or anhedonia (loss of pleasure) result from the diagnosis of RA or from exacerbations in pain or disease activity.

How to treat depression and anxiety in arthritis?

Healthy lifestyle choices and self-care options can help ease your symptoms, especially when used in conjunction with psychotherapy or medication. These include; acupuncture, massage, yoga, physical activity, healthy nutrition, meditation, visualization and support groups.

Is there a link between depression and rheumatoid arthritis?

Depression and Arthritis. Although the prevalence rate of depressive disorders in the United States is estimated to range between 5% and 10%, depression is especially common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In some studies, the prevalence of depression in RA has been found to be almost three times higher than in the general population.

Why do we need to treat depression in arthritis?

Treating mental health conditions should be regarded as a fundamental part of managing arthritis symptoms. For example, having depression may mean you don’t have the will or energy to exercise, which can lead to loss of function.

How does anxiety and arthritis affect mental health?

Left untreated, anxiety can lead to greater problems. In fact, chronic anxiety can increase someone’s risk of developing depression. Arthritis, anxiety, and depression can each have negative effects on overall health and quality of life.

For some patients, however, depression is more serious, reaching or surpassing a clinical threshold. An adjustment disorder with depressed mood is diagnosed when depressed mood and/or anhedonia (loss of pleasure) result from the diagnosis of RA or from exacerbations in pain or disease activity.