According to a recent article in Arthritis Care & Research, one-third of US adults with arthritis, over the age of 45, report having anxiety or depression.
The research paper highlights that anxiety is nearly twice as common as depression among sufferers.
"Given their high prevalence and the effective treatment options that are available, we suggest that all people with arthritis be screened for anxiety and depression," said Dr Louise Murphy, a lead researcher with the Arthritis Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Florida, in a statement.
"With so many arthritis patients not seeking mental health treatment, health care providers are missing an intervention opportunity that could improve the quality of life for those with arthritis," added Dr Murphy.
According to a recent report from a coalition of leading charities, people with long-term conditions are twice or three times more likely to experience depression.
Arthritis Care say there are 10 million people living with arthritis in the UK, and one in five of the adult population has arthritis.
Judith Brodie, chief executive of Arthritis Care, told Huffpost Lifestyle: "In a recent survey we found there is a huge emotional and psychological impact on people with arthritis, including over 68% saying they feel depressed when their pain is at its worst."
The analysis of 2,263 surveys demonstrated that - while a third of people with the condition said talking 'helped' to relieve symptoms - one in five (21%) revealed nothing made them feel better.
"This ‘hopeless and helpless’ mood is often how people first present to our helpline,” continues Brodie.
“We want to see people with arthritis having much easier access to GPs who understand their condition, and more support to relieve, manage and cope their pain and distress. While access to mental health services is also important, there is more to be done at an earlier stage”
In an interesting recent twist, researchers recently found that a drug designed to beat depression could provide a life-changing treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee.
10 Potential Signs Of Depression
A Change In Mood(01 of10)
Open Image Modal Is your partner unusually gloomy or sad? Do they put a negative spin on everything? Perhaps they have frequent angry outbursts - and these are aimed at you? (credit:Alamy)
Energy Levels (02 of10)
Open Image ModalFor some, depression manifests as a massive loss of energy. If your partner is too tired and lethargic to do anything for a long period of time, consider whether something more serious is going on. (credit:Alamy)
Loss Of interest(03 of10)
Open Image ModalYou might notice your partner cuts down on their activities, and loses interest in things they used to enjoy. In general, there's a sense of withdrawal. (credit:Alamy)
Getting Things Done(04 of10)
Open Image ModalYou could find that your partner becomes overwhelmed by tasks and so avoids doing them. Even simple things such as putting the dirty dishes in the sink, can seem like a vast, vague 'problem'. (credit:Alamy)
Overdoing Things (05 of10)
Open Image ModalSometimes as a person becomes depressed, they develop 'coping mechanisms', such as drinking more alcohol, using drugs, excess shopping, gambling, eating to excess, using pornography, or working extremely long hours - all ways to avoid dealing with negative feelings. (credit:Alamy)
Sex(06 of10)
Open Image ModalYour partner's sex drive may well be affected by depression, either by removing it or increasing their desire (credit:Alamy)
Anxiety(07 of10)
Open Image ModalIt's likely that your partner may also develop stronger feelings of anxiety. For example, he or she may get really agitated about where the neighbours park their car. Or begin to dread doing something wrong, or doing work that's not good enough. (credit:Alamy)
Mornings(08 of10)
Open Image ModalFirst thing in the morning can be a really tough time for someone who's depressed, and it can take ages to get going. Many people say that as the day wears on they feel better. (credit:Alamy)
Communication(09 of10)
Open Image ModalYou may start to feel you're treading on eggshells, as it becomes more easy to trigger a negative reaction. And if they are angry, they may hurl unfair accusations at you. (credit:Alamy)
Your Own Feelings(10 of10)
Open Image ModalYou may begin to feel, hurt, rejected, isolated and guilty within your relationship - and perhaps embarrassed by their behaviour when in public. Take these feelings seriously, as they are an indicator something is wrong. (credit:Alamy)