Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2025.64.03.02

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study

Kristina Kovač Durmiš orcid.org/0000-0001-8716-4654 ; Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Mislav Pap ; Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Jurak orcid.org/0000-0001-7682-6077 ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Marina Boban orcid.org/0000-0002-3109-050X ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Neurology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Porin Perić ; Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to assess depression and anxiety in patients with
psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Patients with PsA (N=67) and healthy controls (N=69) were consecutively
enrolled. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used
to screen for psychological symptoms. Tender and swollen joint count (TJC, SJC), VAS pain and disease
activity, DAPSA, HAQ and FACIT-Fatigue were used for PsA evaluation. Psoriasis was assessed
with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Dermatology Life
Quality Index (DLQI). The prevalence of depression and anxiety and their correlation with disease-related
parameters were calculated. A higher prevalence of depressive symptoms was found in PsA group
compared to controls (22.4% vs. 5.8%, OR=4.64, 95% CI 1.37-20.36). There was no significant difference
between the groups in the prevalence of anxiety. Depression scores correlated positively with TJC,
VAS pain, DAPSA and HAQ, and negatively with FACIT-Fatigue. Additionally, depression positively
correlated with DLQI but not with PASI and BSA. In conclusion, depression symptoms occur more
frequently in PsA patients and are associated with activity and functional status of the musculoskeletal
disease. Association of the psychological symptoms with fatigue and quality of life in psoriasis was
demonstrated.

Keywords

Psoriatic arthritis; Depression; Anxiety; Disease activity; Fatigue

Hrčak ID:

342588

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/342588

Publication date:

30.9.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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