Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Is depression/anxiety a symptom of AS?

It seems like a lot of people here have depression in addition to spondylitis and arthritis. What's the deal? Does one cause the other? If so, which causes what? Does anyone know or have an opinion?

don't know, but have an opinion. personally i think that chronic pain can lead to depression. i know they say depression can also cause pain, i've seen the commercials. but i know for me that my moods are a direct reflections of how much pain i'm in; as the pain lifts, so does my mood. i've been very fortunate to not have to worry (at least at this stage) about true clinical depression or suicidal thoughts, and i feel very badly for those who do have to contend with both; can only imagine how difficult it must be.

AS and Depression go together partly I think because of the severe pain but I also think is due to the fact that you are facing a long term illness that there is no cure for. You get very down at all the things you cant do any more and if like me you are noticeably different you find the comments and remarks made by people very upsetting.Although I am finding that as I get older I tend to stare back or make comment so don't let it get to me so much.
My son-in-law has very severe Depression with suicidal thoughts and he's life is hell we give him loads of support and help him as best we can but Depression is very hard to deal with.


Kevin

Hi Erica.
I have read quite a few sites that say IBS and IBDs can cause alot of trouble in this area too. I've also read about how when (or if) our bodies get robbed of vitamins and minerals, it can cause some problems like this too. There is also pain and stiffness and the inability to do the things we want or used to do. Stress, lack of sleep, financial/insurance burdens, effects on income, effects on family and social life etc. It all adds up. So yes, I think they can be a symptom to AS. Doctors might not always think so (eg thinking only chemical imbalance instead), but I think so.

I was also thinking that some of the medication for AS can have side effects, which include changes in mood/depression. My husband always seems so much better when we go outside to the park etc, but when he's feeling down or inflammed then he doesnt feel like leaving the house. So less Vit D from the Sun maybe.

I find it amazing that cymbalta took away my pain, depression, and fear all at one time. I've just always found it curious that there is mistique about the "brain/body" connection, because my brain is actually part of my body. You? And now the research about the neurotransmitters in the gut? Well... Evidently it is possible to have a "gut feeling"! I find depression/anxiety curious, because I feel them both very physically, and I've always had "bouts" of both, always related to times when my body could be forced to go no further. And vitamin leaching makes a lot of sense to me because of my dad having SIADH in association with his catatonic episodes. Plus which, I am by nature extremely optimistic and positive. I love scientists for discovering new meds, even if the pharms make too much moola:)

I agree that "chronic pain can lead to depression". I start saying the "why me" when pain goes on and on. I also found that stopping Tramadol without tapering makes me depressed.

Yes, to all of the above. Also, I wonder if my increasing episodes of quite severe neck pain are contributing in a slightly different way - it does seem that when things get kinked in my neck I end up being far more moody and angry- like something has snapped in my brain. I also get really foggy headed as well. Could it be that a change in the blood supply to a specific bit of the brain could affect personality? I know you can definitely get personality changes with various forms of brain injury.

Of course if this isn't the case, then I have just become a nasty mean old person all on my own!

I definitely feel more depressed and anxious if I am not sleeping well. The fatigue and chronic pain are my triggers for depression and anxiety. I'm on Prozac right now and overall it works. I'm intrigued by Cymbalta, though. Maybe I'll talk with doc about that at next visit.

Cymbalta is curious. I was on lexapro before cymbalta, which did absolutely nothing for pain. As a matter of fact, I think it made it worse... Whatever is in the cymbalta, I love it!