Chrysalis^® News

One in three sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis will need depression treatment as a result, according to a new study.

A poll by drug firm Roche has revealed that 70 per cent of sufferers avoid social occasions due to their condition and a third will become depressed due to loneliness.

Around 690,000 Brits suffer from the extremely painful condition which doctors believe is incurable. The results of the survey suggested that many could benefit from talking to individuals who passed accredited counselling courses.

Ailsa Bosworth, who is the boss of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRSA), claimed that the survey's results highlight the importance of getting the right support and treatment for the condition.

Speaking to The Daily Mirror, she said: "The survey brings early in the disease, so it is critical to treat as early as possible and maintain treatment to reduce symptoms and stop irreversible damage before it occurs.

"The joint damage in RA often begins early in the disease, so it is critical to treat as early as possible and maintain treatment to reduce symptoms and stop irreversible damage before it occurs. With the right management there is no reason for 2012 not to be a happy new year for people with RA." 

The survey was released just a couple of days after doctors gave the thumbs up to a new treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis. According to Nursing Times, Capsaicin can be used to help treat the milder side-effects of the condition.