Sharma A, et al. – This review explored the impact of anxiety and depression on the outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Investigations displayed that anxiety and depression adversely impact the quality of life (QoL) of patients with OA. Therefore, these comorbidities were carefully considered in patients with OA. Ultimately, a holistic individualized management approach was essential to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

• With OVID Medline and EMBASE databases until April 2016, this systematic literature search was performed.
• This review consisted of full–text research articles published in English from the year 2000 onward with a sample size of >100.
• Eligible research articles were reviewed and the following data were extracted: study author(s), year of publication, study design, and key findings.

Results

• This review included a total of 38 studies.
• Findings revealed that both anxiety and/or depression were highly prevalent among patients with OA.
• Patients with OA diagnosed with these comorbidities experienced more pain, had frequent hospital visits, took more medication, and reported less optimal outcomes.
• Management strategies in the form of self–care, telephone support, audio/video education programs, and new pharmacotherapies were reported with favorable results.