Depression is common in people with polymyalgia rheumatica

Depression is common in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and is known to negatively impact on disease control and quality of life. Scientists recently looked at if the same is true for polymyalgia rheumatica and reported their findings in Clinical Rheumatology.

They collected data from 550 people affected by the condition (average age 74 years old) and found that depressive symptoms are common in people with polymyalgia rheumatica, especially younger patients and those with additional conditions.

“Clinicians should consider screening these patients for depressive symptoms and managing them appropriately, as untreated depression may negatively impact on health-related outcomes and quality of life,” the team concludes.

Click here to read the original research. 

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