Study 1: We found that people had more doctor visits for depression and anxiety in the five years leading up to their arthritis diagnosis, with the most visits happening in the year they were diagnosed. We found the same trends with respect to medications, including antidepressants. We also found that this was most common among female patients with arthritis than male patients. The increase in doctor visits and medications for depression and anxiety before an arthritis diagnosis might be because it takes time to figure out what’s really going on. These delays can leave people feeling stressed or overwhelmed. It’s also possible that early symptoms of arthritis, like feeling tired, sore muscles, or weight changes, are mistaken for signs of depression or anxiety, which could lead to a misdiagnosis before the arthritis is properly identified.

Study 2: We found that 50% of people with arthritis received adequate medication treatment for depression and anxiety, which is similar to findings for people who don’t have arthritis. However, only 20% of people with arthritis received adequate psychological treatment. When depression and anxiety aren’t properly treated in people with arthritis, it can affect not just their mental health but also make their physical health worse.

What is the Impact?

This research helps us better understand how arthritis and mental health problems like depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. It also shows that many people with arthritis, when diagnosed with depression and anxiety, are not getting the mental health support they need. Treating mental health is just as important as managing physical symptoms. We need to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care for people with arthritis, so they receive the full support they need for their overall well-being.

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