Research has recently suggested that patients with Autoimmune diseases are more prone to mental health conditions. But they rarely talk about it. As James Jackson, PsyD, a notable research associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, shared her expertise, recognizing the issue is always the first step.
Autoimmune Diseases and Their Connection to Mental Health
It's alarming to consider that most of those battling autoimmune diseases also face the unseen challenges of depression and anxiety. According to a recent study, over 50% of autoimmune disease patients grapple with these mental health issues.
Further going into the research reveals an even more unsettling fact: more than half of individuals with autoimmune disorders have either scarcely spoken about or never even mentioned their mental health symptoms to medical professionals.
Globally, the number of individuals affected by autoimmune diseases is staggering. Roughly 1 in every 10 people is afflicted – 13% of women and 7% of men. Given the sheer numbers and the evident connection between autoimmune diseases and mental health challenges, it's clear that a significant portion of the global population might be silently enduring this dual burden.
The prevalence and diversity of these neurological and psychiatric symptoms significantly surpassed prior estimates and greatly exceeded the expectations of medical professionals.
For patients, the importance of open communication with their doctors. If you're an autoimmune disease patient experiencing these symptoms, remember you are not an outlier. Sharing your struggles with a healthcare professional is the first step towards receiving the support and care you need.
Overlooked Mental Health Crisis
According to research, a whopping 55% of the respondents experienced symptoms of depression. Furthermore, 57% were battling anxiety, 89% faced extreme fatigue, and 70% dealt with cognitive dysfunctions like memory challenges. These percentages were notably higher than what had been anticipated. For instance, while considering lupus patients, it was found that 47% had contemplated suicide, a figure drastically larger than the previous estimate of 15%.
The fear of stigma was also one major cause of withdrawal. For the brave few who did step forward with their struggles, they often found their concerns either sidelined or undocumented.
Considering the often extended duration it takes to diagnose autoimmune diseases conclusively, many patients grow skeptical of medical professionals and their own symptom assessments. Their worry is that if they mention any mental or neurological symptoms, they'd be thrust back into the frustrating limbo of pre-diagnosis, with any future physical ailments possibly being attributed to mere psychological issues.
Neglecting The Symptoms
Yet another hurdle in this intricate issue is the inherent nature of many mental health symptoms – they aren't always readily discernible or quantifiable. While psychiatrists and nurses tend to place significant trust in patients' accounts, other providers seem more at ease with tangible diagnostic results like blood tests or scans. They desire physical proof.
However, identifying mental health concerns often relies heavily on trusting and validating patients' narrations. Sloan stressed the importance of this aspect, stating, "Most patients earnestly seek a better quality of life. They need their healthcare professionals to recognize and acknowledge their distressing symptoms, rather than adopting the mindset that 'seeing is believing'."
"There are myriad factors driving this correlation. The prominent ones include inflammation and the communication between the immune system and the brain," Dr. Nelson elucidated. "The inflammation stemming from an autoimmune reaction can seep into the brain, potentially disrupting the mood-regulating neurotransmitters. This paves the way for a heightened susceptibility to mood disorders."
Beyond the biological intricacies, a significant psychological dimension is also at play. Autoimmune diseases inherently exert tremendous pressure on an individual's stress responses and coping abilities. As Dr. Nelson pointed out, "The mere act of managing an autoimmune condition can strain a person's resilience. Given that they are already expending immense energy grappling with their disease, their ability to deal with everyday challenges can wane."
Navigating life with a chronic ailment like an autoimmune disease often ushers in an array of emotional challenges. It's not just about managing the physical symptoms; there's the added burden of handling treatments, adapting to potential daily limitations, and the looming threat of emotional distress. Such a situation is understandably taxing, and feelings of desolation, frustration, and a sense of helplessness can become commonplace.
However, Dr. Nelson strongly advocates for proactive self-advocacy and continuous learning. Equally essential is the need to persistently voice out one's mental health concerns until the right healthcare professional is found.
Supporting this sentiment, another expert in the field opined that therapeutic interventions might not be a panacea, but, for the most part, individuals who access the mental health assistance they require witness notable improvements. They gradually hone the essential coping mechanisms to navigate the tumultuous journey of living with symptoms they neither chose nor desired. Through this process, many not only learn to persevere but also discover ways to truly flourish.
