Anxiety Disorders Linked to Arthritis and Other Diseases

Anxiety disorders have been linked to arthritis and other physical illnesses, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada reported the association in the October 23, 2006 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Between 1997 and 1999, nearly 4200 people participated in a German Health Survey. Researchers analyzed data from physical examinations, a health questionnaire, a quality of life survey, and psychiatric interviews.

8.4 percent of the study participants were found to have an anxiety disorder within the previous month, while 60.8 percent had a physical illness. Most of the people who had both an anxiety disorder and physical problem developed the anxiety disorder first and usually had a poorer quality of life than people with either condition alone. The mechanism which causes the association between anxiety disorder and physical illness has not been fully explained, but researchers speculated that:

• Physical illness may cause worry and anxiety severe enough to be classified as a disorder.
• Anxiety disorder may trigger physiological changes.
• Medications or substance abuse may be linked to both anxiety disorder and physical illness.

Though there has been a fair amount of attention given to depression and arthritis, researchers suggested more attention be given to anxiety disorder and physical illness. Cathleen Henning, About.com Guide to Anxiety & Panic Disorders, explains how Anxiety Disorders are Linked to Physical Conditions.

• In-Depth Report: Anxiety Disorders
• How are Anxiety Disorders Treated?
• How Do I Know If I Have an Anxiety Disorder?

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