AB0821 PSYCHOMETRIC PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS
Authors: G. L. Fonti, M. S. Chimenti, P. Conigliaro, P. Triggianese, E. Bianciardi, G. Tarantino, M. Coviello, G. Lombardozzi, C. Niolu, A. Siracusano, R. Perricone
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a condition of inflammation of joint and periarticular tissues with progressive destruction of bone and cartilage tissues and consequent disability. Numerous studies suggest that the systemic inflammation that characterizes this disease is the basis of the onset of numerous comorbidities, including anxiety and depression. Objectives: This prospective study aims to examine the psychometric profile of patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis to investigate possible correlations with psychiatric comorbidities and disease status. Methods: from October 2018 to March 2019, consecutive out-patients with PsA (according to CASPAR criteria) referred to the Rheumatology Unit of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, were evaluated by a dedicated psychiatrist for attachment style (Relationship Questionnaire - RQ), alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale - TAS20), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale - PSS) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI). These indices were then correlated with clinimetric indices, indices of inflammation and therapy taken by the patient. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: 33 patients affected by PsA and 40 healthy individuals as control group were enrolled. The RQ test showed that in patients an insecure “avoidant” attachment style prevails (51.5%) compared to the control group (10%) (p&lt;0.0008)[Figure 1]. This result correlates with the presence of alexithymia and with the duration of illness, showing that patients with an “insecure” profile at the RQ test are those who have higher scores on the TAS-20 scale (p=0.035) and a longer duration of illness (p&lt;0.0001). Regarding the perception of stress, at the PSS test women have mean values (18.12±7.31) statistically superior to the values of the male population (11.69±7.79)(p=0.0015). PSS values of the overall study population were directly proportional to RQ values (p&lt;0.0068) and TAS-20 values (p&lt;0.0001). The correlation between PSS and TAS-20 was further confirmed in the analysis of the individual subgroups “patients” (p&lt;0.0001) and control group (p&lt;0.0001)[Figure 2]. No correlation was shown with phlogosis and clinimetric indices. Conclusion: This study suggests how PsA patients are a more vulnerable subtype of patient from the psychological point of view, with an avoidant attachment style, characterized by the difficulty to express emotions and to rely on others in times of need. These characteristics can influence the adherence to pharmacological therapies and the doctor-patient relationship. This profile is manifested more frequently in female patients, with long duration of illness, high perception of stress. The state of disease activity does not influence these elements, suggesting that the insecure attachment style is not related to the single inflammatory flare, but is the result of years of illness and long-standing disease. Our results support the relevance of early diagnosis in PsA. Disclosure of Interests: None declared