CDC: Nearly a third of US adults with arthritis also has history of depression

Of the estimated 54.4 million adults in the United States with arthritis, approximately 32.1% also had a history of depression, according to 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data collected by the CDC. In addition, 19% of adults with arthritis also had frequent mental distress.

Janae D. Price, MPH, of the CDC’s Division of Population Health, and colleagues published their findings in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

They also found that among adults with arthritis, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher among women than men (36.3% vs. 24%), higher among lesbian/gay/bisexual adults vs. heterosexual adults (46.7% vs. 30.5%) and differed by education level and race/ethnicity. In addition, a history of frequent mental distress was significantly more prevalent among women than men (19.9% vs. 14.6%) and lesbian/gay/bisexual adults vs. heterosexual adults (28% vs. 16.8%). The rate of frequent mental distress also varied by education level.

Reflecting on the findings, Price and colleagues wrote that the medical community has an “an opportunity to improve the quality of life of arthritis patients by screening for mental health problems.”

A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) spokesperson told Healio Primary Care that primary care physicians can administer depression screening by utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

“Some of the questions in the PHQ-9 include asking if the patient has been bothered by low mood, has experienced little interest or pleasure, is tired or low in energy, or has been feeling bad about oneself,” the SAMHSA spokesperson said. He also stated that anytime a patient has a medical condition that affects their energy level, appetite or sleep, a PCP should ask follow-up questions to ascertain their sense of purpose, guilt, sadness and/or thoughts of suicide.

“Once depression is identified, it is important to treat the depression with therapy and/or medication, as appropriate,” the spokesperson said. “Treatment for depression may not only improve the core depressive symptoms but may also reduce pain in some types of arthritis and increase adherence to medical treatments.”

Price and colleagues wrote that physicians should refer patients with arthritis and depression and/or frequent mental distress to physical activity programs, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based programs that can help manage both their arthritis and mental health. – by Janel Miller

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.