Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
04:44

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

Depression among the Moroccan systemic sclerosis

Fahd Wafki1, Bouchra Amine, Yousra Ibn Yacoub

  • 1Department of Rheumatology (Pr N Hajjaj-Hassouni), El Ayachi Hospital, 11000, Sale, Morocco. fahdwafki@yahoo.fr

Clinical Rheumatology
|June 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients frequently experience depression, with over 77% showing symptoms. Depression correlates with disease severity, pain, and duration, impacting patient well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant physical and psychological impacts.
  • Depression is a common comorbidity in chronic illnesses, yet its prevalence in SSc, particularly in specific populations, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and identify predictors of depression among Moroccan patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis.
  • To assess the impact of depression on the functional disability and health status of SSc patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 59 Moroccan patients with SSc.
  • Assessment using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9), Arabic versions of HAQ and SF-36 for functional disability and health status, clinical histories, and medical examinations.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of depression was observed, with 77.4% of patients presenting symptoms.
  • Major depressive syndrome was diagnosed in 61% and minor depressive syndrome in 16.4% of patients.
  • Higher PHQ-9 scores were associated with prolonged disease duration, severe joint pain, greater disease severity, and elevated acute-phase reactants. Depression negatively affected physical and mental health scores.

Conclusions:

  • Systemic sclerosis is strongly associated with a high prevalence of depression.
  • Routine screening for depression in SSc patients is recommended due to its significant impact on quality of life.
  • Identifying depression predictors can aid in targeted interventions for SSc patient care.

More Related Videos

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...