People who are diagnosed with osteoarthritis face many new challenges. In order to keep their joints flexible and maintain mobility, they must adhere to regimens that may include diet, exercise and medication. Without proper disease management, the chronic condition may grow worse.

Behavioral diseases such as depression may aggravate the development of any chronic illness. New research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting suggests that depression may be particularly concerning among arthritic women who perceive themselves as dependent.

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There is a wide body of scientific research that suggests depression can complicate the medical management of various chronic diseases. Not only does the behavioral disorder decrease quality of life, but it can also interfere with patients’ adherence to treatment.

Recently, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) asserted that depression increases the likelihood of death among patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is particularly problematic for males.

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Although the immune system is supposed to protect the body from pathogens, it may become overactive in certain individuals and attack innocuous agents – benign bacteria, food or even the body itself. When this occurs in the digestive system, it may lead to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Living with a chronic disease is a major adjustment for anybody, but it can be especially challenging for pediatric patients. If young individuals develop comorbid behavioral disorders, it can hurt their quality of life and needlessly inflate medical costs. When it comes to IBD, depression may be particularly problematic for children.

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The teenage years are a universally tough period in people’s lives. This is a time of major physical changes, identity development, peer relationship formation and increasing autonomy. Adolescents who also have to worry about diabetes may face extra challenges, as they always have to be mindful of their eating habits, physical activities and blood sugar monitoring.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that relies heavily on self-care, and any behavioral comorbidity endangers disease management and increases the risk of further health complications and needlessly higher medical expenses. Teenagers with diabetes are already likely to have poor self-care habits because of the fear of being judged by others, but sub-optimal adherence can be further aggravated by social anxiety disorder (SAD), according to research.

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Childhood should be a time when kids can enjoy doing what youngsters do: running around, swimming, bike riding, playing team sports or just spending time with friends. However, for those who have asthma, being carefree is not an option.

Proper medical management of asthma will ensure that young patients can live as normal a life as possible. However, studies have shown that social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known social phobia, can be a problem for asthmatic children. If not addressed adequately, SAD can needlessly compound healthcare costs and diminish patients’ quality of life.

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When doctors diagnose individuals with high blood pressure, the patients may have to make several lifestyle adjustments in order to maintain their health. These may include dietary adjustments, increases in physical activity and stress management.

Behavioral comorbidities such as depression can interfere with patients’ health management goals. Due to the severe nature of hypertension, inadequate medical care means that people who have high blood pressure are at risk for developing more serious – and more expensive – medical complications.

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. The most common cardiovascular problem is coronary artery disease (CAD), in which cholesterol deposits cause plaque buildups in the blood vessels that nourish the heart.

As a chronic health condition, CAD can demand ongoing, and sometimes expensive, medical attention. Any comorbidities, particularly those of a behavioral nature, will needlessly add to the costs of CAD. Studies have shown that one prominent behavioral illness tied to CAD is panic disorder. On the surface, these two diseases share some clinical presentations, such as chest pain. This led researchers to conclude that if doctors diagnose one in patients, they need to screen for the other.

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Life is difficult for people who live with phobias. Struggling with abnormal levels of fear can not only interfere with everyday activities and social situations, but, as research shows, they can also aggravate chronic physical conditions.

Studies have shown that female patients who have established coronary artery disease (CAD) may have a higher risk of mortality if they live with comorbid phobic anxiety. This suggests that healthcare professionals need to be aware of this behavioral disorder within this patient group.

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Unlike people in the general population, individuals who have asthma cannot take the act of breathing for granted. They must always be prepared to treat a flareup with medication and be vigilant about triggers such as smoke, dust or other allergens.

According to experts, both asthma patients and their doctors also have to be attentive to behavioral health. Comorbid conditions such as depression can worsen outcomes and increase the cost of medical treatment.

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In the U.S., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The financial burdens created by this condition – in terms of direct medical costs, lost productivity and premature death – are astounding.

One behavioral comorbidity that can complicate the treatment of COPD is depression. Not only does the mood problem interfere with patients’ self-care efforts and quality of life, but it can also drive up the costs of what is already an expensive disease.

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