Relationship between affective disorders and arthritis

The relationship between mental health and physical health disorders is a growing concern among both mental health and public health researchers. One emerging area of concern focuses on the relationship between affective disorders and arthritis. This poster will report the findings of a state-wide study that compares the prevalence of arthritis among adults receiving treatment for affective disorders with the prevalence of arthritis among other community mental health service recipients as well as among the general Medicaid population. Two data sets are used in this analysis. The statewide Medicaid paid claims data base provided all claims associated with a diagnosis of arthritis. The statewide community mental health data base provided detailed psychiatric diagnoses for all individuals served in that system of care. Direct record linkage based on the Medicaid identification number was used to link the two sets of information.

Preliminary findings indicate that Individuals with an affective disorder were 24% more likely than other mental health service recipients to have arthritis. Women were more likely than men to have an affective disorder diagnosis and also more likely to have arthritis. Women with an affective disorder, however, were only 17% more likely than other women receiving mental health service to have arthritis while men with an affective disorder were 29% more likely than other men receiving mental health service to have arthritis.