Mental disorders in children with rheumatic diseases

Abstract

The prevalence of concomitant mental disorders in children with rheumatic diseases is notably higher than in the overall population. However, psychiatric comorbidity in pediatric rheumatology remains poorly understood, whereas approaches to mental disorders therapy in children with rheumatic diseases are not clearly defined. The review article considers currently available data on the mental disorders prevaling in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile primary fibromyalgia. The article provides data on the efficacy and safety studies of psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy. It also discusses application prospects of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for treatment of comorbid depression in children with rheumatic diseases.