The Link Between Depression, Inflammation & Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis
By Richard Shank
New research suggests that perceptions of pain are linked to both depression and inflammation for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
RA is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissue. People with RA live with chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and deterioration in their joints. Associated pain, disability, and disfigurement can increase the risk of mental health problems. In fact, people living with RA are nearly twice as likely to be depressed as the average person. Researchers believe that this increased risk is due to physical problems caused by inflammation.
A total of 218 people living with RA completed the current study. Each person completed self-administered questionnaires that surveyed their sociodemographics, onset of RA, current pain level, symptoms of depression, and their smoking and drinking habits. Each participant also received clinical assessments, including measuring inflammation levels, assessing joint swelling and pain, and blood sampling.
Depression was positively associated with both pain and inflammation, while inflammation was positively associated with pain. In other words, both depression and inflammation were found to be important predictors of pain independently of one another.
The researchers suggest that clinicians should focus on both pain management and mental health when working with people living with RA.
Source: Kokima, M. Kohimo, T., Suzuki, S. et al. 2009. Depression, Inflammation, and Pain in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism 61(8): 1018-1024.
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