Rheumatic Diseases and Depression

The prevalence of clinical depression in rheumatic diseases is about twice the prevalence seen in the general population. At a milder level, the occurrence of psychological distress that does not fulfil diagnostic criteria of depression is even higher. Evidence indicates that this high prevalence is multifactorial. Correlational studies suggest that possible factors for depression include the suffering accompanying somatic symptoms, functional limitations, pro-inflammatory cytokines, helplessness due to the uncontrollable, unpredictable and progressive nature of the disease, and other factors associated with having a chronic disease Higher prevalence of depression was found in rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet's disease and osteoarthritis. Depression is an important factor in all of these disorders because it leads low social functioning, treatment response and even suicide. This article reviews the prevalence and diagnosis of depression and related factors in rheumatic diseases. [Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry 2014; 6(4.000): 363-374