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Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Subsided When Depression, Inflammation Addressed

THURSDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Treating both depression and inflammation can reduce severe pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Japanese researchers say.

They studied 218 RA patients who provided information about their pain levels, depression symptoms, year of RA onset, smoking and drinking habits and socioeconomic demographics. The researchers collected blood samples from the patients to measure levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver. Levels of CRP rise during periods of acute inflammation. RA treatments often focus on reducing inflammation.

The study found that inflammation and depression each independently increased the likelihood of severe pain. The combined effects of high CRP levels and depression predicted severe pain even more strongly.

"Results of our research demonstrate the potential for clinicians to improve pain control by addressing their patients' psychological symptoms in addition to conducting anti-inflammatory therapy," study leader Dr. Masayo Kojima said in a news release.

The findings suggest that psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication might be a priority for RA patients who experience severe pain without elevated levels of CRP.

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