Dr. Aly Cohen was quoted in an article from HealthCentral on the connection between Psoriatic Arthritis and Depression:
A study in The Journal of Rheumatology reports that those coping with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to experience depression than those with psoriasis alone. The possible reasons are multifaceted.
On the one hand, the nature of PsA flares may lead to depression, says Aly Cohen, M.D., founder and medical director of Integrative Rheumatology Associates based in Princeton, NJ. Often, the psychosocial issues surrounding physical symptoms like skin appearance, pain, and joint deformity associated with PsA can lead to or worsen depressive symptoms, says Dr. Cohen. Meaning, the joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis, coupled with potential ostracization you might feel from having visible skin lesions, can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
