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Anxiety about twice more prevalent than depression among adults with arthritis

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Researchers found twice as many people with arthritis had anxiety than depression, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study.

A group of CDC researchers examined data on 1,793 adults aged 45 years and older from the CDC’s Arthritis Condition and Health Effects Survey, which is a randomized telephone survey. They determined rates of anxiety and depression in the cohort using the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales and then correlated arthritis with each condition using logistic regression.

The researchers found that one-third of those surveyed had one of the two conditions and that 84% of patients with depression also had anxiety. However, twice as many respondents had anxiety at 31% than depression at 18%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed to the researchers no distinguishing characteristics associated with either anxiety or depression. Of those surveyed with anxiety or depression, only half had sought help.

“Given their high prevalence and the effective treatment options that are available, we suggest that all people with arthritis be screened for anxiety and depression,” lead researcher Louise Murphy stated in a Wiley-Blackwell press release. “With so many arthritis patients not seeking mental health treatment, health care providers are missing an intervention opportunity that could improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.”

Reference:

• Murphy LB, Sacks JJ, Brady T, et al. Anxiety is more common than depression among US adults with arthritis. Arth Care Res. Published online ahead of print April 30, 2012. doi: 10.1002/acr.21685.