Dr. Alyssa Howren discusses the correlation between mental health conditions and inflammatory arthritis, focusing on a study titled 'What Came First?'. The podcast explores the impact of healthcare encounters on depression and anxiety before and after an arthritis diagnosis. It also delves into the utilization of population data for health services research and the analysis of mental health care in inflammatory arthritis patients.
Mental health support is essential in caring for patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Research indicates a bidirectional relationship between depression/anxiety and various inflammatory arthritis types.
Deep dives
Research Journey and Shift in Focus
The lead author, Dr. Elisa Howron, transitioned her focus from gout to mental health in inflammatory arthritis during her PhD after observing the impact of care on patient mental well-being. She explored the complex relationship between mental health and arthritis, driven by personal interest. through qualitative research interviewing arthritis patients, she discovered the significance of emotional support in care models.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders
Research highlighted the high prevalence of depression in various inflammatory arthritis types, such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, exceeding rates in the general population. Studies pointed to an increased risk of depression in those with rheumatoid arthritis, emphasizing a bidirectional relationship between mental health and arthritis.
Data Analysis and Database Use
Using Population Data BC and FarmNet databases, the study examined depression and anxiety healthcare encounters and medication use preceding and following inflammatory arthritis diagnosis. By analyzing prescription data and healthcare visits, the researchers aimed to understand the extent of mental health support needed in this context, revealing consistently elevated encounters in arthritis patients compared to controls.
Impact of Findings and Future Research
The study underscored the enduring link between mental health disorders and inflammatory arthritis, suggesting shared mechanisms influencing both conditions. Potential future investigations could delve into the role of inflammation in connecting arthritis and mental health. Dr. Howron's upcoming research focuses on biases in clinical decision-making impacting sex and gender disparities in chronic disease diagnosis, aiming to raise awareness and improve healthcare outcomes.