Survey: Million Adults in U.S. Suffer From Psoriatic Arthritis

About 1 million adults in the U.S. suffer from psoriatic arthritis, a much higher number than previously believed, according to research released by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive, chronic, inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the immune system. The disease causes pain and swelling in and around joints and can lead to permanent damage. It affects hands, wrists, knees, ankles, back and feet and symptoms may also include fatigue and stiffness.

The people living with the disease claim it seriously affects their daily living and many patients are dissatisfied with the medical treatment they are receiving.

The NPF Benchmark Survey for Psoriatic Arthritis is the first research effort to establish the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in U.S. adults, according to the NPF. Previously the medical community estimated that 500,000 adults had psoriatic arthritis but the survey found the number much closer to one million. Data on children is not reflected in the survey.

"Psoriatic arthritis can be a disabling disease and cause permanent damage when left untreated," said Gail M. Zimmerman, NPF President. "It's vital that we educate the public and medical community about the disease and its effects. We want people who have psoriatic arthritis to seek treatment in order to improve their quality of life."

About 85 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis also have psoriasis. About one-third of those with psoriasis say they have joint stiffness but have not been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. "This suggests that many of these people may have psoriatic arthritis and not know it," said Zimmerman. "They need to talk to their doctors about their symptoms."

In follow-up interviews with 448 patients who were diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, 84 percent said the disease had a moderate to large impact on their everyday lives. Seventy-five percent said they lose sleep or sleep poorly because of the disease and two-thirds report the disease has forced them to alter their daily activities. One fourth of the respondents said that they were dissatisfied with the medical treatment they were getting for their condition.

"We're hopeful this new data on the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis will encourage the medical community to conduct further research and develop new therapies," said Zimmerman.

Other sources: National Psoriasis Foundation