Anxiety and Depression in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Cross Sectional Study in Brazilian Patients

Objectives: Comorbidities are common in psoriatic arthritis patients, including mood disorders. We aimed to study the prevalence of anxiety and depression in psoriatic arthritis patients from Brazil and its association with epidemiological, clinical and treatment data. Methods: Fifty-four psoriatic arthritis patients were interviewed using Becks’ anxiety inventory, CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and the SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey). Simultaneously the disease activity was measured using ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score)-ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and ASDAS-CRP (C reactive protein) for the joint domain and PASI (Psoriasis Area Severity Index) for the skin domain. Epidemiological, clinical and treatment data were obtained through chart review. Results: Anxiety was found in 62.9% and depression in 51.8% of the sample. Anxiety correlated with ASDAS-ESR (p = 0.003), PASI (p = 0.001) and SF-12 (P < 0.0001). Depression correlated with PASI and SF-12 (p < 0.0001). All patients with depression also had anxiety. No associations were found with epidemiological data, treatment or psoriatic arthritis subset (all with p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was a high frequency of anxiety and depression in this psoriatic arthritis sample that correlated with the degree of skin involvement and had a negative impact in quality of life. Anxiety also correlated with joint disease activity measured by ASDAS-ESR.