How common is depression in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Depression is prevalent in inflammatory disorders, negatively impacting patient outcomes.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients may face increased depression risk due to chronic illness and glucocorticoid treatment.
• Limited research exists on depression prevalence and associated factors in PMR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of current depressive symptoms in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
• To identify demographic, clinical, and comorbidity factors associated with depression in PMR patients.

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire was sent to prevalent PMR patients (n=704).
• The Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) assessed depressive symptoms (score ≥10).
• Logistic regression analyzed associations between demographics, comorbidities, and depressive symptoms.

Main Results:

• The response rate was 78% (n=550); 15% (n=81) reported current depressive symptoms.
• Depressive symptoms were associated with female gender (OR 1.87), current PMR symptoms (OR 2.1), acid reflux (OR 1.75), and diabetes (OR 2.86).
• Older patients (>80 years) were less likely to report depressive symptoms (OR 0.35).

Conclusions:

• Depressive symptoms are common in PMR patients, particularly younger individuals and those with comorbidities.
• Female gender, active PMR symptoms, and specific comorbidities increase depression risk.
• Clinicians should screen PMR patients for depression to ensure appropriate management and improve quality of life.