Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with psoriatic arthritis attending rheumatology clinics

Fundamental and Objective: Psychological impairment is frequent in patients with rheumatic diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with psoriatic arthritis attending rheumatology clinics. Patients and method: Multicentre cross-sectional study conducted in rheumatology clinics. Patients with psoriatic arthritis were recruited; variables retrieved were sociodemographic, clinical and patient centered (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale o HADs, EQ-5D questionnaire, etc.). Prevalence in the study population was calculated as anxiety or depression symptoms by an HADs score = 11 or those receiving pharmacological treatment. A logistics regression model was used to know which variables were related to symptoms of anxiety or depression. years. Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety were 29.7% and prevalence of symptoms of depression was 17,6%. Patients with anxiety or depression symptoms had all EQ-5D dimensions affected (p< 0.01). Higher prevalence of anxiety was related to being a woman, a mixed onset pattern with respect to peripheral joints and those treated with DMARD alone with respect to DMARD+ NSAID or biologic alone. A higher depression prevalence was related to being a woman and a mixed onset pattern with respect to peripheral joints. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and the prevalence of depression symptoms are high among patients suffering psoriatic arthritis in the studied population. (C) 2009 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.