The aim of our study was to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in patients diagnosed with FMF (Familial Mediterranean Fever) and to examine their associations with drug compliance, attack, and being employed or not. Patients presenting to our rheumatology outpatient clinic Tel-Hashomer Classification Criteria were included in the study. Fifty-two diagnosed patients followed up in our rheumatology outpatient clinic (35 female, 17 male), and 30 healthy control subjects whose ages and genders match consisting of the accompanists and visitors of the patients (25 female, 5 male) were included. Risk for depression and anxiety was assessed with HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Depression and anxiety were observed to be significantly more common in the patients with FMF compared to the healthy controls in this study. Also, the frequency of FMF attacks was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and fatigue and that regular use of colchicine decreased fatigue. In the light of all these results, the mood should definitely be evaluated during the routine practice in case of a chronic disease such as FMF having a younger patient population compared to other rheumatic diseases, and, if needed, psychiatric support should be received. Also, it should be explained to the patients that the regular use of colchicine would be beneficial for both the disease and fatigue. There is a need for follow-up studies with large case series in order to support the results we obtained.
Key words: Familial mediterrean fever, anxiety, depression
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