Linking Psoriatic Arthritis to Mental Health: An Insight
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is more than just a physical condition. It can also have a profound emotional impact on those affected, causing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and affecting sleep patterns. According to recent studies, approximately 21% of individuals with PsA experience moderate or severe levels of anxiety, while 1 in 7 individuals struggle with at least moderate depression [1].
The burden of PsA extends beyond the physical realm, affecting a person's stress levels, mood, behavior, and body image. In fact, approximately 33% of individuals with PsA experience at least mild anxiety, and 38% have sleep disturbances, while 45% experience regular fatigue [2]. These symptoms can further exacerbate the physical symptoms of PsA, making it more difficult to manage the disease.
However, there's hope. The treatment of PsA can have a positive impact on mental health symptoms. Modern biologic therapies, such as adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and ustekinumab (Stelara), target immune pathways and not only improve skin and joint symptoms but also show promise in alleviating systemic inflammation that may be linked to mood disorders [3].
Certain medications approved for PsA have demonstrated improvements in mental health symptoms. For instance, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), including TNFα inhibitors and newer agents like deucravacitinib (an oral treatment), have been shown to reduce disease activity and may indirectly improve depression and anxiety by addressing joint inflammation and skin lesions [4].
In addition to medical treatment, addressing the psychological burden associated with PsA requires a holistic approach that includes mental health support. Since patients with PsA have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety, integrating psychological care such as counseling or therapy can further improve quality of life [5].
Starting treatment with a biologic or nonbiologic systemic therapy for PsA leads to a decrease in the use of antidepressants. If insufficient control of PsA symptoms is affecting a person's mental health, they can discuss their concerns with a rheumatologist who can help them find a treatment plan that works better for them [6].
In conclusion, the treatment of PsA can significantly improve mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety, by reducing systemic inflammation and improving physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, key contributors to psychological distress.
Key Points Summary:
- PsA treatments that reduce systemic inflammation and physical symptoms can improve mental health burdens like depression and anxiety.
- Biologic therapies, including TNFα inhibitors and newer agents, are effective for PsA and may help reduce psychological symptoms indirectly through disease control.
- Psychological support remains important due to the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in PsA patients.
References: [1] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriatic-arthritis/mental-health [2] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms [3] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Biologic Medications for Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/treatments/biologics/psoriatic-arthritis [4] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Oral Medications for Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/treatments/oral-medications/psoriatic-arthritis [5] American Psychological Association. (2021). Coping with Chronic Pain. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/chronic-pain [6] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Depression and Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriasis-and-you/depression
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can have a significant impact on a person's mental health, leading to symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
- Modern biologic therapies, such as adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and ustekinumab (Stelara), not only improve skin and joint symptoms but also show promise in alleviating mental health symptoms by addressing systemic inflammation.
- In addition to medical treatment, addressing the psychological burden associated with PsA requires a holistic approach that includes mental health support, such as counseling or therapy, due to the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in PsA patients.
- Treatment with biologic or nonbiologic systemic therapies for PsA can lead to a decrease in the use of antidepressants, making it important for patients to discuss their mental health concerns with a rheumatologist who can help find a treatment plan that addresses both physical and mental health needs.
