Depression and anxiety in patients with rheumatic diseases

Introduction and objective Rheumatic diseases affect a large part of the population. Patients with rheumatic diseases experience stressful situations considerably more often than healthy people. The aim of the study was to review available literature on the relationship between rheumatic diseases and the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Brief description of the state of knowledge Results of studies indicate that patients who suffer from rheumatic diseases are at increased risk of mental disorders. In this population group the reaction to stress develops differently than in healthy individuals, due to such factors as different functional state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, which results in changes in the functioning of the immune system and pain perception. The increased risk of mental disorders may also result from the applied treatment for rheumatic disease. In addition, it has been confirmed that in rheumatic patients with concomitant depression or anxiety disorders it is more difficult to reach a state of remission. Conclusions An initial diagnosis of rheumatic disease has an emotional impact and leads to drastic life styles changes. Due to an increased risk of depression and other psychiatric disorders in patients who suffer from rheumatic diseases it is necessary to undertake proper psychotherapeutic interventions and make the correct diagnosis in order to start an effective treatment.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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