Arthritis patients see need for mental healthcare
December 11, 2020 (Vancouver) – A new Arthritis Research Canada study reveals individuals with arthritis have an increased perceived need for mental healthcare in comparison to the general population.
The findings specifically revealed that, among individuals with a mental disorder, arthritis is associated with 71 per cent higher odds of having a perceived need for mental healthcare, but a similar odds of receiving support for their mental disorders.
“The need for mental healthcare and the probability of receiving various forms of mental health support in individuals with arthritis are underappreciated,” said Alyssa Howren, a research trainee at Arthritis Research Canada. “This is problematic, given the significant burden of mental disorders in people with arthritis.”
Despite that burden, there is limited research on how arthritis independently affects an individual’s perceived need and use of mental healthcare in the form of medications, professional services, and non-professional support for emotions, mental health or substance use, as compared to those without arthritis.
“This type of research is key to improving quality of care for individuals with arthritis who are struggling with their mental health,” Howren said. “It will also help us explore the use of mental health support beyond medications, to include psychological treatment, online therapy, self-help groups, and informal support from friends or family.”
The study showed that men with arthritis, in particular, had 2.69 times higher odds than men without arthritis in sensing a need for care.
“The potential role of traditional masculine norms in symptom recognition and healthcare seeking for mental disorders highlight additional opportunities for improving mental health in individuals with arthritis,” Howren added.
To read the full research article, please click here.
