Psoriatic arthritis can occur alongside depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety.
This may happen because of the significant impact chronic pain has on your quality of life.
Some researchers also believe that inflammatory responses may contribute directly to the development of depression.
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The prevalence of depression in people with psoriatic arthritis is significantly higher than in the general population.
Approximately 20% of PsA patients also struggle with depression.
Essentially, depression can be both a result of PsA symptoms a contributor to disease progression.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Sleep
Psoriatic arthritis can cause anxiety and pain, which often lead tosleep disturbances.
If you have trouble sleeping, you know the debilitating fatigue lack of sleep can cause.
You may have trouble concentrating, struggle to remember things, and experience mood changes.
Disrupted sleep can also worsen joint pain.
How Do I Improve My Sleep?
To stop the vicious cycle of anxiety and pain disrupting sleep, its important to get help.
Talk with your healthcare provider, who may adjust your medications to better manage your symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options, and take time for self-care.
Does psoriatic arthritis get worse with age?
Psoriasis symptoms can worsen with age, or they may come and go depending on genetic and environmental factors.
Mental health conditions such asanxiety and depressioncan increase pain and worsen symptoms of the disease.
These types of activities can help keep your mind off your symptoms.
If youre struggling with depression, you may be prescribed antidepressants to help provide symptom relief.
Is it safe to take antidepressants with PsA treatment?
In most cases, yes.
Ask your healthcare provider if you need antidepressant medication to reduce depressive symptoms.
These medications work by increasing levels of serotonin (the happy hormone) in the brain.
Exercise
Getting regular exercise when you have PsA can help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
Online and in-personsupport groupscan help you find the empathy and assistance you need.
What is the best drug to treat psoriatic arthritis?
The effectiveness of drugs used to treat psoriatic arthritis can vary from person to person.
Your PsA can impact your mental health, and your mental health can impact your PsA.
Antidepressant medication and therapy can reduce depressive symptoms.
Summary
Psoriatic arthritis increases your risk of developing depression.
This may be resulting from chronic pain, inflammation, social isolation, and stress.
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