More than half of individuals with autoimmune conditions experience depression and anxiety.

More than half of individuals with autoimmune conditions experience depression and anxiety.

Overlooked Mental Health in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases can be physically and emotionally challenging. For patients dealing with these conditions, the impact extends beyond physical symptoms and often affects mental health as well. In fact, a new study conducted by British researchers found that more than half of all patients with autoimmune diseases also suffer from depression and anxiety. What’s even more alarming is that most of these patients are never asked about their mental health by their healthcare providers¹.

The Shocking Lack of Reporting

The study surveyed over 1,800 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It revealed that over half of these patients rarely or never reported their mental health symptoms to their doctors. This suggests that the range of mental health and neurological symptoms experienced by these patients is much broader than previously understood².

Dr. Melanie Sloan, one of the study’s co-authors from the University of Cambridge, expressed concern about the low level of reporting. She emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues in these patients as they can significantly impact their quality of life and even be life-threatening³.

Startling Statistics and Hidden Symptoms

The study delved deeper into the various mental health symptoms experienced by patients with autoimmune diseases. The results were staggering. Among the surveyed patients, 55% reported experiencing depression, 57% reported anxiety, 89% reported severe fatigue, and 70% reported cognitive dysfunction⁴.

These rates were much higher than doctors had anticipated. For instance, three times as many lupus patients reported having suicidal thoughts compared to doctors’ estimates. The researchers found that doctors were often surprised and concerned by the frequency and range of symptoms reported by their patients⁵.

• Extreme heat can negatively impact individuals with mental health i...
• White House proposes rules to increase mental health coverage by in...
• Recognizing Gun Violence as a Health Crisis

Reluctance and Stigma

The study also shed light on the reluctance of patients to report mental health problems. Many patients feared being stigmatized and worried about the consequences of sharing their experiences. Even when patients did muster the courage to discuss their mental health symptoms, it was often met with indifference. These symptoms were often not accurately documented, and patients felt unheard and unsupported by their healthcare providers⁶.

As one patient divulged, “I feel guilty and useless as well as depressed and very unwell. I don’t really feel supported, understood, listened to, or hopeful at all. It is awful living like this… All just feels hopeless”⁷.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care

Dr. Tom Pollak, another author of the study from King’s College London, stressed the need for better mental health care for patients with autoimmune diseases. He advocated for routine discussions about mental well-being during healthcare visits, ensuring patients feel safe and empowered to speak up about their symptoms⁸.

The researchers emphasized that identifying and addressing these hidden mental health symptoms is critical in providing patients with the understanding, support, and treatment they need. Only by fully engaging patients in their healthcare can these often concealed symptoms be recognized and managed effectively⁹.

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases are not solely confined to physical symptoms. The impact on mental health is profound and widely overlooked. Patients with autoimmune diseases frequently experience depression, anxiety, severe fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Unfortunately, many of these patients suffer in silence, fearing stigma and judgment. It is essential for healthcare providers to prioritize discussing mental health with these patients and provide the necessary support and treatment. By addressing both physical and mental health aspects, we can improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with autoimmune diseases¹⁰.

Sources