Anxiety, depression common in adults with arthritis

Anxiety, depression common in adults with arthritis
Anxiety and depression are both common among U.S. adults with arthritis, with anxiety found more often than depression, according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

(HealthDay) -- Anxiety and depression are both common among U.S. adults with arthritis, with anxiety found more often than depression, according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

To estimate the prevalence and correlates of among adults with doctor-diagnosed , Louise B. Murphy, Ph.D., of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and colleagues utilized a sample of data from the Arthritis Conditions Health Effects Survey involving 1,793 U.S. aged 45 years or older. Separate and validated subscales of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales were used to assess anxiety and depression.

The researchers found that anxiety and depression were reported in 31 and 18 percent of respondents, respectively, with one-third, overall, reporting at least one of the conditions. Eighty-four percent of those with depression had concomitant anxiety. A distinct profile of characteristics could not be identified for those with anxiety and/or depression. For those with anxiety and/or depression, only half sought medical help from their health care provider (HCP).

"We found that both anxiety and depression are common among people with arthritis, and the prevalence of anxiety was higher than the prevalence of depression," the authors write. "Approximately half of the affected respondents whose arthritis was being treated by an HCP had not sought treatment in the past year for their mental health condition, indicating a missed opportunity for HCP intervention."

More information: Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Journal information: Arthritis Care & Research

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Anxiety, depression common in adults with arthritis (2012, July 9) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-07-anxiety-depression-common-adults-arthritis.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

One-third of adult Americans with arthritis battle anxiety or depression

 shares

Feedback to editors