What Should I Do About Depression As A Result Of Having Arthritis?

— -- Question: What should I do about depression as a result of having arthritis?

Answer: Depression is a serious disease and it's much more common as we get older. People who are in chronic pain often get depressed. I always suggest to my patients that they treat the underlying osteoarthritis and that's really with pain relievers such as Tylenol, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, ice, and, or rheumatoid arthritis which is a much more involved treatment requiring a specialist. If treating the underlying disease does not lift the depression and the person has been depressed for a long time -- let's say more than several months -- then I would also recommend seeing a therapist to help with coping techniques regarding chronic pain, and even instituting anti-depressants. They help with depression and actually they help with chronic pain also.

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