RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 PARE0021 Challenging Mental Health Disorder in Long Term Rheumatic Disease Clinics
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 1246
OP 1246
DO 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5297
VO 73
IS Suppl 2
A1 C. Lim
A1 J. Kirk
A1 E. Edwards
A1 B. Colaco
YR 2014
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/73/Suppl_2/1246.3.abstract
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