The Pain of Arthritis Often Leads to Mental Distress, Depression

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study of 147,288 adults in the United States estimated that 19 percent of those with arthritis suffer "frequent mental distress" and 32 percent have a history of depression, reports Healthline . In comparison, 8 percent of the overall U.S. population reported having depression. CDC officials added that 22 percent of adults in the United States have arthritis that has been diagnosed. Geography was a factor, with people in Kentucky reporting the highest incidence of mental distress at 22 percent, followed by residents in North Carolina and New Mexico. Women and people who identified as LGBT also had higher rates of frequent mental distress and depression than men and heterosexuals. Education level was found to play a role as well, while another contributor is people with chronic conditions who do not follow treatment recommendations. People reporting as depressed were three times more likely to not follow physicians' recommendations concerning medication, exercise, diet, and follow-up appointments. The researchers suggested adults with arthritis could benefit from mental health screenings and referrals, along with physical activity and self-management education programs.