A scoping review of literature: What has been studied about mental health problems among individuals with ankylosing spondylitis?

Background

Research on mental health problems in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has rapidly expanded since 2013. However, the evidence in this field can appear fragmented due to the limited number of existing reviews that synthesize research findings.

Aim

To map the evidence regarding the prevalence, correlated factors, and interventions for mental health problems in the AS population.

Methods

This review followed Arksey and O’Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Six electronic databases were searched for studies published in English since January 2013. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and data were narratively summarized and reported.

Results

Seventy articles were included in this review. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders ranged from 3.1 % to 66.0 %, 2.7 % to 78.0 %, and 1.7 % to 71.7 %, respectively. Correlated factors included sociodemographic variables, disease-related aspects, physical symptoms and function, and psycho-behavioral factors. Interventions were categorized into physical exercise, therapeutic, and psychosocial approaches.

Conclusions

Mental health problems are prevalent among individuals with AS, and the correlated factors are multidimensional. Interventions aimed at physical function, disease activity, and cognitive functions have been identified as critical strategies for addressing mental health problems. Further research is needed to design and develop effective interventions targeting these correlated factors, particularly psycho-social interventions, to prevent future deterioration.