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Anxiety and depression in adults with arthritis

Anxiety and depression in adults with arthritis

A recent study, Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2015–2017, found that adults with arthritis had higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to adults without arthritis. Having to deal with chronic pain, arthritis-related activity limitations, and other health conditions (ex. diabetes, heart disease) could contribute to worsened mental health among people with arthritis.

Anxiety

Adults with arthritis: 22.5%

Adults without arthritis 10.7%

Depression

Adults with arthritis 12.1%

Adults without arthritis 4.7%

 

Self-management education and physical activity are both effective strategies that can reduce symptoms related to depression and anxiety and arthritis and improve quality-of-life. In this study, adults with arthritis who reported doing aerobic physical activity had lower anxiety and depression symptom rates than inactive adults.

Learn more about how a healthy and active lifestyle can help you manage your arthritis and other health conditions.

 

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The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA) is supported, in part, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Thurston Arthritis Research Center (TARC) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the lead agency. Contents are solely the responsibility of the OAAA or TARC. 

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