When Depression Accompanies Gout

Feeling depressed from time to time is normal. We all experience a wide range of emotions that are part of being human. Usually, being blue is a temporary thing, passing within days or even hours as our mood shifts to a better feeling place. Yet, when someone is trying to cope with the chronic pain of gout, depression may be hard to overcome. People with this condition may endure constant joint pain, making it more likely to develop depression than people who are well. Furthermore, even when the pain dissipates for a while, many people live with constant anxiety and fear of the eventual return of the painful condition. 

Chronic pain can overwhelm anyone's coping skills. It can lead to withdrawal, isolation, and depression. A feeling of being different than everybody else can begin to permeate the thoughts and attitudes of a gout sufferer. The depression experienced from chronic pain may actually make the pain more severe, becoming a vicious cycle. Which comes first, the pain or the depression? After a while, it may be hard to determine. 

It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression. Decreased energy, sleep issues, loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy, and isolation form social activities are all signs of depression. Even a change in your eating habits, not eating or eating too much, may be significant. 

In order to have the quality of life that everyone deserves, those who suffer from gout need to pay attention their changing moods. There is no question that gout presents challenges, but there are things that one can do to combat depression.

• Talk to someone who is supportive or join a support group
• Exercise on a regular basis and outdoors whenever possible
• Take time to relax and avoid stress
• Get a massage
• Enjoy the foods that are allowed

Make sure that you include your doctor in your treatment and pain management plan. Let your doctor know that you are battling recurring depression if that is the case. By educating yourself to the best methods of caring for gout, you can take back some of the control that you might feel you have relinquished to the pain of gout.  

Gout (also known as podagra when it involves the big toe) is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected (approximately 50% of cases). However, it may also present as tophi, kidney stones, or urate nephropathy. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes, and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. 

Clinical diagnosis is confirmed by seeing the characteristic crystals in joint fluid. Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or colchicine improves symptoms. Once the acute attack subsides, levels of uric acid are usually lowered via lifestyle changes, and in those with frequent attacks, allopurinol or probenecid provide long-term prevention.