Coincidence of arthrosis and depression in elderly patients - therapeutic implications.

BACKGROUND: More then half of elderly adults over 60 years old suffer from arthrosis. Pain and mobility reduction associated with this disease, reduce elderly peoples independence and are the reason of their physical disability. The aim of this study was to estimate coincidence of arthrosis and depression in population of outpatients of Geriatric Clinic and to asses the influence of each disease on functional ability, pain and selfhealth evaluation. Furthermore we tried to evaluate a relationship between age, sex, education, financial position, self-evaluation of health condition with presence of arthrosis.

METHODS: The study group consisted of 70 elderly adults over 60 years old - Geriatric Department of Medical University in Bialystok outpatients. In all subject the social and demographic data and clinical diagnosis were evaluated using a self-constructed questionnaire. Furthermore the following tests were used: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Personal Activities of Daily Living Scale PADL).

RESULTS: Depression was observed more frequently in patients with arthrosis associated with pain. Symptoms of depressions were found in 92% group with arthritis. The present work confirmed high statistical significancy between depression and chronical pain of joits (p=0,000). Relationship between difficulties in performing everyday activities, mobility and arthrosis was also found.

CONCLUSIONS: 1.Taking into consideration data that emotional disorders in studied group of elderly adults are associated with arthrosis, and publications about positive effect of antidepressive treatment on pain susceptibility in rheumatological diseases, we should pay more attention to diagnosis and treatment (in reasonable cases) of depression in elderly patients in compex therapy of arthrosis. 2.The proper recognition of coincident diseases directs treatment and enables comprehensive approach to medical care. It results in better health condition, quality of life and independence of elderly people.