Multiple studies suggest a link between inflammation and depression.[1,2] Understanding that relationship may lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with inflammatory diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases.[2]
Kojima and colleagues studied the relationship between inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory II, Japanese translation) and pain (visual analog scale) in a cross-sectional analysis of 218 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recruited from a Japanese academic rheumatology clinic. They found a mild but statistically significant positive association between depression index scores and elevated CRP levels. In addition, elevated depression scores and CRP levels were independently associated with increased pain scores. The study authors concluded that the severity of depression and inflammation are related, with each having an independent effect on patient-reported pain.
The relationship between inflammation and pain (and pain perception) and depression has been explored in multiple studies, with roles played by central and peripheral nervous system pain processing, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and psychosocial factors.[1-5] As such, it is not surprising that these study authors found a significant relationship between inflammation and pain and depression in patients with RA. Although we need additional studies to understand the specific mechanisms involved, the findings of Kojima and colleagues eventually may have applicability to the clinical treatment of RA.
Even after treatment with the potent immunosuppression drugs now available for RA, many patients still have significant disability. On the basis of the findings of this study, perhaps agents that target mediators of depression could be added to improve outcomes. Of interest are studies showing decreased inflammatory states in depressed patients treated with antidepressants.[2] Future research might involve a treatment trial of patients with RA, with 1 arm including an agent with antidepressant activity in addition to immunosuppression.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/714100Beats me why they need to study this. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the probability of concurrent depression with autoimmune disease and ANY disease where range of motion, ADL's, or life changes occur is extraordinarily high.