HUNDREDS of thousands of Scottish arthritis sufferers have symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as pain, according to a survey.

This can lead to a vicious circle as low mood increases the discomfort from their condition, which is characterised by joint pain usually caused by inflammation.

The results have led to calls for the Scottish Government and the NHS to do more to support people to cope with their arthritis, through exercise, healthy eating and social activities, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques.

The charity Arthritis Care said 900,000 Scots have arthritis, and are suffering a huge emotional toll, as they struggle with routine tasks such as dressing themselves.

Three-quarters of those surveyed in Scotland said their condition made them feel anxious or depressed while a similar proportion (77 per cent) had had to give up activities they enjoy since being diagnosed.

Half said they felt isolated or lonely because of their arthritis and 60 per cent said they struggled with routine daily activities such as washing, dressing and making meals.

Only 44 per cent of sufferers felt they were able to manage their arthritis well and 46 per cent said they had lost contact with friends as a result of the condition. The findings show feelings of anxiety and depression are more common among those who experience the worst symptoms of pain and fatigue, and those who have lost contact with friends or given up activities they enjoy.

The charity, which commissioned the research, is calling for better access to pain management, but Angela Donaldson-Bruce, director of Arthritis Care Scotland, said a holistic approach was often better than painkillers.

She said: “Our survey results give an alarming insight into the huge emotional toll that living with arthritis is having on mental wellbeing. Arthritis is usually seen as a physical condition. However, we know there’s a strong link with anxiety, low mood and depression. Too often living in pain and coping with fatigue means that people give up the activities they enjoy and their independence is put at risk.”

While inflammatory variants such as rheumatoid arthritis can be well-managed in many cases, it can be more difficult to control the pain of osteo-arthritis, she said.

Meanwhile, factors such as loneliness and inactivity can make pain feel worse. Ms Donaldson- Bruce said: “It is a downward spiral. If you receive a cheque for £500 in the post and are having a good day you would manage your pain better than if you get a £500 bill and are having a bad day.”

Doctors do not have all the answers, she said. “If you have a long-term condition for which there’s no cure, you can sit and wait for a cure or do what you can to manage your own condition.

“People are living with the condition but they may not be living very well. It is about understanding what is achievable in their lives.”

Arthritis Care has welcomed the integration of health and social care but says many services are some way from delivering on the promise of more joined up care.

The charity welcomed the establishment of the National Advisory Committee for Chronic Pain and the national chronic pain centre at Glasgow’s Gartnavel Hospital.

However, the report says many people are wrongly told nothing can be done about their pain, and called for all patients affected to get a personalised written care and support plan that considers their mental as well as physical wellbeing.

The UK survey questioned 3,038 people, 254 of them in Scotland.

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