Donate Now

#Episode 2

Anxiety and Depression in People with Arthritis

Want to support research like this & more?

Donate Now

Episode Description:

Over 6 million Canadians, young and old, struggle with the pain and disability of arthritis. But did you know that people with arthritis are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression than people without arthritis? It is important for people with arthritis to take care of both their physical and their mental health.

Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research to better understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with arthritis, why this is occurring, and what we can do to address it.

Our research seeks to improve the level of care provided to people with arthritis by helping inform healthcare decision making and by providing patients with the tools and resources to assist with their own self-care efforts.

Content Helper​
Videos
Research
Resources
Feedback
Videos
Research
Resources
Feedback

Want to support research like this & more?

Donate Now

Videos

Research

Content and Topic of Research

At Arthritis Research Canada – research is our focus. We find solutions that help people triumph over arthritis. Our scientific experts are at the forefront of research on mental health and arthritis. Learn more about the cutting-edge research projects they’re conducting to make a difference in the lives of over 6 million people, young and old, living with arthritis.

Research Scientists

Dr. Susan Bartlett, PhD

Research Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada

Dr. Susan Bartlett, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Divisions of Clinical Epidemiology, Rheumatology, and the Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Trials Units at McGill University and the McGill University Health Centers. Dr. Bartlett is a clinical psychologist by training with longstanding research and clinical interests in patient-centered research and care and meaningful patient engagement in research.

Dr. Deborah Da Costa -

Dr. Deborah Da Costa, PhD

Research Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada

Dr. Deborah Da Costa, PhD, is a scientist at the Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. Her research focuses on the interplay between modifiable psychosocial and behavioural (e.g. exercise) factors and health status in various chronic illnesses and in relation to depression in populations at risk. This has laid the foundation for the knowledge-transfer phase of her program which focuses on tailoring and evaluating evidence-based e-health interventions to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize their health and wellness.

Dr. Mary De Vera, MSc, PhD

Research Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada

Dr. Mary De Vera, MSc, PhD, is a pharmacoepidemiologist and health services researcher in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She completed a BSc degree in Biochemistry at UBC and MSc and PhD degrees in Health Care and Epidemiology from the UBC School of Population and Public Health. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in perinatal pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and pharmaceutical outcomes research at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Additional Resources

Mental Health Matters.

Mental health problems are very common in people with arthritis. Living with chronic pain can affect a person’s mood as it is physically and emotionally stressful. Stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen arthritis symptoms and pain, and likewise, the other way around. Untreated mental health related issues may lead to further complications and long-term negative effects.

Taking care of yourself and maintaining good mental health can help you prepare for life’s challenging moments. It is important that people with arthritis identify and recognize early warning signs and get help. Below are some frequently asked questions, related articles, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between arthritis and anxiety and depression?

There is evidence that a complex underlying relationship exists between arthritis and psychiatric complications that is largely driven by inflammation. The pain, disability, and disease activity in arthritis are associated with the onset of anxiety and depression. At the same time, having anxiety and depression also negatively impacts disease activity in arthritis, along with treatment adherence and quality of life.

How common is anxiety and depression in people with arthritis?

Anxiety and depression are very common in people with arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, research has shown that up to 38% of patients experience depression and up to 70% experience anxiety. In lupus, up to 30% of patients experience depression and up to 40% experience anxiety. Research has shown high proportions of patients with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout experiencing anxiety and depression as well.

How does living with arthritis affect mental health?

Living with arthritis affects mental health as the pain, disability, and disease activity in arthritis have been shown to be linked to the onset of anxiety and depression.

Do depression and anxiety make arthritis symptoms worse?

Yes, having anxiety and depression negatively impacts disease activity in arthritis, along with treatment adherence and quality of life.

Research and Articles

Depression as a Risk Factor for the Development of Psoriasis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in the UK

I.A. Vallerand, R.T. Lewinson, L.M. Parsons, M.W. Lowerison, S.B. Patten, C. Barnabe

Read More

Depression as a Risk Factor for the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Isabelle A Vallerand, Ryan T Lewinson, Alexandra D Frolkis, Mark W Lowerison, Gilaad G Kaplan, Mark G Swain, Andrew G M Bulloch, Scott B Patten, Cheryl Barnabe

Read More

Specific Manifestations of Knee Osteoarthritis Predict Depression and Anxiety Years in the Future: Vancouver Longitudinal Study of Early Knee Osteoarthritis

Eric C. Sayre, John M. Esdaile, Jacek A. Kopec, Joel Singer, Hubert Wong, Anona Thorne, Ali Guermazi, Savvas Nicolaou & Jolanda Cibere

Read More

Protocol for a Partially Nested Randomised Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of the SPIN-CHAT Program to Reduce Anxiety Among At-Risk Scleroderma Patients

Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network (SPIN) COVID-19 Patient Advisory Team; SPIN Investigators

Read More

Depression Raises Patients’ Risk for Developing Psoriasis

Read More

Arthritis Research Canada Trainees Tackle Tough Issues to Improve Patient Care

Read More

How Common are Mental Health Problems in Arthritis Patients?

Read More

Helpful Links

Crisis Services Canada — Call 1.833.456.4566 or text 45645

If you or someone you know is in crisis, Crisis Services Canada offers immediate, confidential support across the country.

Crisis Services Canada

Local Resources & Support

Government of Canada — Mental Health Resources

The Government of Canada provides mental health and wellness information, including warning signs and how to access help.

Preventing Suicide: Warning Signs and Getting Help

Mental Health and Wellness

Infographics — Early Results from Dr. Mary De Vera’s UNIFIED Study (July 2020)

Two infographics summarizing early findings from the UNIFIED study on mental health and COVID-19 in people with arthritis.

Infographic 1

Infographic 2

Arthritis Wellness Conversations Ep. 3: Anxiety and Depression in People with Arthritis

Sandra Sova, host of Chronic Wellness Radio, is joined by members of our Patient Advisory Board and expert guest Dr. Mary De Vera, Research Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. They talk openly about anxiety and depression in people with arthritis. Patient advisors share their experiences with mental health challenges and tips for managing emotional well-being.

Listen Now

Feedback & Survey

Anxiety & Depression Survey

Your opinion matters. Tell us what you thought of this episode and webinar.

Take A Quick Survey Now