Unseen Burdens of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Posted on: 10/16/06
Although the medical complications of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are often the first to be raised when discussing the disease, AS can also have a definitive impact on one's psychological well being and lifestyle.
A recent study published in the journal, Rheumatology, states that, "Disease status scores in AS correlated significantly with anxiety, depression, internality and health status." Thus, the more severe and active the disease, the more likely and individual may be or become anxious or depressed.
But this is only scratching the surface.
An article published in the latest issue of The Journal of Rheumatology, says that, "The impact of this disease also can be seen in various aspects of workforce participation, from requiring more assistance at paid work to withdrawal from the workforce."
Dr. Muhammad Asim Khan concurs as he writes in a related article, "AS leads to progressive functional impairment over time and has tremendous impact on society at large in terms of economic costs and indirect costs associated with physical impairment and loss of employment."
Therefore, research efforts into the causes of AS, earlier diagnosis and awareness efforts are more important than ever. In addition, the newer TNF-a inhibitors have been a milestone in treatment, but more needs to be done. "Early diagnosis is crucial now that we have more effective therapy with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, which suppress disease activity and improve the functional ability…" Adds Dr. Khan.
References:
Disease and psychological status in ankylosing spondylitis. J. Martindale et al. Rheumatology 2006 45(10):1288-1293; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kel115
Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Dual Perspective of Current Issues and Challenges. Muhammad Asim Khan. J Rheumatol 2006;33 Suppl 78:1-3.
The Burden of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Annelies Boonen et al. J Rheumatol 2006;33 Suppl 78:4-11