Rheumatoid arthritis

How is rheumatoid arthritis related to risk for bipolar disorder?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common systemic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting synovial joints. Peripheral inflammation can up-regulate neuroinflammation, inducing neurological damage that can affect mood and cognition. Chronic neuroinflammation has been proposed to be a contributory factor in the development of bipolar disorder, with studies demonstrating elevated inflammatory markers in people with the disorder.

What is the evidence for rheumatoid arthritis?

Moderate quality evidence finds a medium-sized increased risk of bipolar disorder in people with rheumatoid arthritis compared to people without rheumatoid arthritis.

October 2021

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Last updated at: 4:14 pm, 21st April 2022
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
Tags:  Arthritis

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