Saturday, March 26, 2016

Can Depression Make Rheumatoid Arthritis Deadlier?

Depression is endemic among people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. People with Arthritis commonly suffer from symptoms like fatigue, pain, loss of focus and feeling of disability. Now, a new study has found out that Depression can actually worsen Arthritis.

The study


Researchers studied 379 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Participants were asked about their emotional state. The answers were tabulated against standard scales used to measure whether the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis were improving or not.   

What did they find?


The researchers found that the participants reporting more anxiety and depression had higher disease activity scores. Such people also reported more tender joints and, when asked about their symptoms, they themselves rated their disease activity as higher.

This research corroborates with another study of 275 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The patients who reported more depressive symptoms also reported more pain and joint tenderness during the study period.

What does this study means for you?


These studies suggest that depression may worsen Rheumatoid Arthritis disease activity and even diminish the benefits of arthritis medications. People with Rheumatoid Arthritis need to be educated about signs of depression and given appropriate resources and treatment as needed. Furthermore, doctors need to account for depressive symptoms when assessing disease activity.

How to deal with Depression?


1. Depression is often accompanied by a critical, self-destructive mentality. When you have cruel thoughts about yourself, try to sideline them by focusing on the positive aspects of your life.

2. Many people who suffer from depression may be masking a feeling of anger. By acknowledging and accepting or discussing your angry feelings, you are much less likely to turn these feelings against yourself or allow them to lead you into a depressed state.

3. It's a physiological fact that activity fights depression. Do light exercise 20 minutes a day, five days a week and you will feel better emotionally.

4. Go to a place where there are people who may have similar interests as you, or even to a public spot like a museum, park, or mall, where you could enjoy being amongst people. Never allow yourself to indulge in the thought that you are different from or less than anyone else.

5. Doing activities that help you calm down and that raise your spirits are important, even simple things like baking brownies, taking a bath, or listening to upbeat music.

6. Feeling embarrassed over your depression will only increase your symptoms and discourage you from seeking help. Don't punish yourself for feeling bad.


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