THU0533 Pain Intensity and Threshold in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: Correlations with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

Background Individuals suffering from chronic pain are frequently affected by depression, which in turn increases the risk of development of chronic pain complaints over time. Objectives This study aims to investigate the relationship between depression and pain intensity and threshold in a cohort of rheumatic patients compared to healthy subjects. Methods 124 individuals of whom 50 affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 23 by psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 23 by ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 28 age-matched controls without chronic pain underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess pressure pain threshold with an algometer. Pain intensity was evaluated through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and depression through the Hamilton Depression rating Scale (HAMD). Results A significant reverse correlation between HAMD values and algometer scores was found in the entire cohort of patients (p Conclusions The evaluation of chronic pain in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis that display comorbid depression seems more reproducible and reliable with the use of an algometer which, therefore, could be considered an useful instrument in pain/depression overlap management. Disclosure of Interest None Declared