Straub LE, et al. – This cross–sectional analysis was performed to compare the prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD), depression, and anxiety among US adults with arthritis versus those without. A high prevalence of SPD, anxiety, and depression was reported in adults with arthritis. These findings indicated the requirement for increased mental health screening, with subsequent referral to mental health professionals or other treatment programs, in this population.

Methods

• This was an analysis of adults in the 2011–2013 National Health Interview Survey.

Results

• Accumulated evidence revealed that higher proportions of adults with arthritis had SPD (6.8% vs. 2.4%), depression (19.4% vs. 7.3%), and anxiety (29.3% vs. 16.3%) compared to those without.
• Of the estimated 3.5 million adults with arthritis and SPD, only 39% saw a mental health professional during the year.
• Adjusted analyses identified the following statistically significant relationships: those who were older (45–64 and ≥65 [vs.18–44], prevalence ratio [PR]=0.8 and 0.4, respectively), less educated (PR=0.5 and 0.7 for high school or less vs. college degree, respectively), and without health insurance coverage (vs. any private, PR=0.7), were less likely to see a mental health professional, whereas the disabled or unemployed (vs. employed, PR=1.6 and 1.5, respectively), and those unable to afford mental health care throughout the year (PR=1.3) were more likely.