Mental Health in Pediatric Rheumatology: An Opportunity to Improve Outcomes.

Mental health problems are more common in children with pediatric rheumatologic diseases (PRDs) than healthy peers. Mental health problems affect disease-related outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), so addressing these problems can improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Mental health screening tools are available, and there are resources available to aid in integrating mental health care into the clinical setting. By implementing these tools, mental health problems can be recognized and addressed.
Competing Interests: Disclosure Dr E.B. Treemarcki is currently the recipient of a Research Grant from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance and the Arthritis Foundation (CARRA-AF). Dr N.R. Cunningham is currently the recipient of a training grant from NIH/NCCIH (K23 AT009458) and a Transdisciplinary Research Grant from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance and the Arthritis Foundation (CARRA-AF). Dr A.M Knight and Dr A.N. Danguecan have nothing to disclose.
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