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Factors associated with depression and suicidal ideation among individuals with arthritis or rheumatism: Findings from a representative community survey
Arthritis Care and Research , 07/07/09

Fuller-Thomson E et al. – Study reports that the majority of individuals with arthritis and major depression were not receiving adequate treatment for major depression. It is suggested that patients should be screened for major depression and suicidal ideation, particularly if they fall into the identified vulnerable groups.

Methods

An investigation of factors associated with depression and suicidal ideation among individuals with arthritis or rheumatism
Canadian Community Health Survey 2000-2001 included 130,880 respondents (response rate 84.7%)
Respondents were diagnosed as depressed using a subset of items from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview
23,405 respondents age ≥20 yrs reported that they had been diagnosed with arthritis or rheumatism by a health professional
Logistic regression analyses to investigate depression and suicidal ideation

Results

1 in 10 Canadians with arthritis had clinically relevant levels of major depression
Age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios of major depression and suicidal ideation among those with arthritis were approximately twice vs those w/o arthritis
The adjusted ORs of major depression among those with arthritis were higher among women, the unmarried, younger, and poorer individuals
Criteria for higher odds of major depression:
- Individuals in pain, with limitations in activities of daily living
- With limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, and
- With greater numbers of chronic conditions
Less than half of those with major depression had consulted a mental health professional
1 in 5 individuals with arthritis and major depression had been suicidal in the past year