Title:An Approach to Psychiatric Illness in Rheumatology Clinics
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Stephanie Mathew*, Nicole Orzechowski, Nikhil Teja, Devendra Thakur, Paige Scudder and Daniel Albert
Affiliation:
- Department of Rheumatology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Rope Ferry Rd., Hanover, New Hampshire, 03756, United States
Keywords:
Depression, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, corticosteroids.
Abstract: Rheumatologists encounter patients with psychiatric illnesses daily in their practice;
however, formal training in rheumatology does not sufficiently equip rheumatologists with guidance
for managing common psychiatric illnesses. This study reviews common clinical situations
involving psychiatric symptoms, their relationship with rheumatologic conditions, and their effects
on clinical presentation and management. We illustrate key principles in a case-based format and
reflect on the management of psychiatric components. Based on these discussions and a brief review
of the epidemiology of psychiatric illnesses, we emphasize the prevalence and significance of
these problems in daily practice.
