PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - C. Lim
AU  - J. Kirk
AU  - E. Edwards
AU  - B. Colaco
TI  - PARE0021 Challenging Mental Health Disorder in Long Term Rheumatic Disease Clinics
AID  - 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5297
DP  - 2014 Jun 01
TA  - Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
PG  - 1246--1246
VI  - 73
IP  - Suppl 2
4099  - http://ard.bmj.com/content/73/Suppl_2/1246.3.short
4100  - http://ard.bmj.com/content/73/Suppl_2/1246.3.full
SO  - Ann Rheum Dis2014 Jun 01; 73
AB  - Background The prevalence of mental health disorder in individuals with Rheumatic disease is higher than that of the general population1,2. An audit of 240 patients attending general and specialist Rheumatology clinics at Central Middlesex Hospital (CMH) found a 50% reported rate of Anxiety or Depression on a HADS questionnaire, and a 50% reduced experience of Quality of Life. The CMH Rheumatology Support Group (CMH RSG) monthly discussions also highlight depression and anxiety amongst its members. Objectives The objective of the initial National Association of Mental Health (MIND) meeting was to provide information on what MIND does, and how patients may access their voluntary care which is approved by state-run Mental Health services and works in collaboration with GPs. Methods JK contacted the MIND charity who provided a representative to give an introductory talk to over 50 CMH RSG members. Results This meeting provoked a need to start our own CMH RSG MIND group. We started with 6 members in November 2013 and the group, named “Positive Thoughts” now has the maximum 12 members. We have another 8 members on the waiting list for the second phase. Conclusions Depression and anxiety is common in patients with long term rheumatic disease and can influence morbidity, disease progression and outcome. Self-help Patient groups can contribute to positive outcomes. A service dedicated to looking after the mental well-being of patients is vital to any Rheumatology department References Sheehy C, Murphy EM, Barry M. Depression in rheumatoid arthritis-underscoring the problem. Rheumatology 2006;45:1325-1327 Uguz F, Akman C, Kucuksarac S, Tufekci O: Anti tumor necrosis factor therapy is associated with less frequent mood and anxiety disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 63:50-55 Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5297