A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that, among US adults aged ≥45 years with arthritis (an estimated 54.4 million [22.7%]), approximately one-third reported having anxiety or depression, with anxiety more common than depression. Studies examining mental health conditions in adults with arthritis have focused largely on depression, arthritis subtypes, and middle-aged and older adults, or have not been nationally representative. To address these knowledge gaps, CDC analyzed 2015-2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to estimate the national prevalence of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults aged ≥18 years with arthritis. They found:

• Among adults with arthritis, age-standardized prevalences of symptoms of anxiety and depression were 22.5% and 12.1%, respectively, compared with 10.7% and 4.7% among adults without arthritis.
• Successful treatment approaches to address anxiety and depression among adults with arthritis are multifaceted and include screenings, referrals to mental health professionals, and evidence-based strategies such as regular physical activity and participation in self-management education to improve mental health.