Study Shows Link Between Arthritis Pain and Mental Health
The Arthritis Foundation released new findings on May 17 showing a link between emotional support and well-being and arthritis pain.
The Center for Program Design and Evaluation at Dartmouth College conducted the analysis using data from nearly 27,000 patient responses collected from 2019 to 2022 from the Arthritis Foundation’s ongoing study called Live Yes! INSIGHTS.
The most recent findings show that patients who have someone to talk to or connect with are twice as likely to experience higher levels of physical functioning than those who may feel alone or isolated.
Such patients also report pain levels 16% lower than those who may feel alone or isolated.
Nearly 60 million Americans are diagnosed with arthritis, and the data from the foundation shows that nearly 58% of adults with arthritis experience depressive symptoms that are outside of the general population norm.
“The importance of feeling understood and not alone … cannot be overstated. Being able to connect with people who have shared an experience … [can] provide so much encouragement and hope,” said Dr. Natalie Dattilo, co-chair of the Arthritis Foundation’s Integrative & Mental Health Expert Panel, during a video statement regarding the recent findings.
Members from the Arthritis Foundation encourage elderly individuals to discuss their feelings with a health care provider or caregiver, find support groups, speak with mental health professionals, get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, spend time outdoors and prioritize self-care to enhance their emotional well-being.
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