Survey Finds Almost All Arthritis Patients Experience Depression
A new online survey finds that an overwhelming majority of patients with arthritis experience feelings of depression at some point during the course of their illness. Dr. Joel Rutstein, board certified rheumatologist and author, conducted this survey on his website, ArthritisCentral.com.
San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) July 19, 2004 -- Arthritis is often a debilitating disease that can cause pain and sometimes even deformity. A new online survey by Dr. Joel Rutstein finds that in addition to physical pain, the vast majority of arthritis patients experience feelings of depression during the course of their illness.
Dr. Rutstein, creator and producer of ArthritisCentral.com, says time constraints during office visits do not always allow the opportunity to discuss all of the emotional issues confronting patients. "Visit time is frequently consumed by reviewing lab results, refilling medications, and dealing with physical ailments. Therefore, emotional issues sometimes get pushed to the back burner."
According to Dr. Rutstein's survey of 250 people polled, 95% said they have experienced feelings of depression at some point following their diagnosis. This is a much higher percentage than has previously been reported and emphasizes the strong association between depression and rheumatic disorders. Dr. Rutstein points out that pain and depression are closely related. "As a rheumatologist, it is important to treat both the pain and the depression because otherwise the combination can create a vicious cycle which needs to be broken."
Dr. Rutstein provides details about how emotions play such an important part of the patient's daily life in his new book, TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR ARTHRITIS: THE 12 CRITICAL STEPS. In his book, he dedicates an entire chapter to help patients take back control of their emotions. He says his book is a "road map" for patients to improve in many different areas related to their conditions. The book enables patients to take back control of their arthritic condition instead of their lives being dictated by their pain and physical limitations." Another chapter helps patients understand the difference between beneficial and harmful exercise and explains how to get started with a successful exercise program.
In addition to his website and new book, Dr. Rutstein has also produced seven video programs for arthritis patients, including four exercise videos. He believes his unique and multi-pronged approach to the education of patients empowers them to make more intelligent decisions about their conditions and lifestyle. This, in turn, can decrease their physical pain, improve their emotional state, and create a more enjoyable and better life.
ABOUT JOEL RUTSTEIN M.D.
Dr. Joel Rutstein is the director of the Arthritis Diagnostic and Treatment Center of San Antonio, Texas. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center of San Antonio and is a fellow member of the American College of Rheumatology. More information about his book and video programs are available at ArthritisMall.com
ABOUT ARTHRITISCENTRAL.COM
ArthritisCentral is one of the most comprehensive websites for patients with arthritis and osteoporosis. All of the material is written by Dr. Joel Rutstein and other board certified rheumatologists. Free information, including frequently asked questions, a glossary of rheumatic terms, and a free email newsletter is available to all visitors. Access to detailed original feature articles, video programs, and other areas of the site are reserved for subscribers who pay an annual fee of $19.95. To learn more, visit www.ArthritisCentral.com
MORE INFORMATION
ArthritisCentral (http://www.ArthritisCentral.com)
ArthritisMall (http://www.ArthritisMall.com)
Take Back Control of Your Arthritis: The 12 Critical Steps (http://www.ControlYourArthritis.com)
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