The multifaceted impact of anxiety and depression on patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression is greater in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients than in the general population. Given this association, the primary aim of this study was to assess the incremental impact of anxiety or depression on patients with RA from the United States of America (USA) and Europe, independent of the impact of the underlying RA disease.MethodsRheumatologists (n = 408) from the USA and 5 European countries completed patient record forms for a predetermined number of RA patients who consulted consecutively during the study period; these patients completed patient-reported questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were used to investigate the relationship between anxiety and depression with treatment and economic outcomes in RA patients.ResultsOf 1015 physician and patient pairs who completed all relevant questionnaire sections, 390 (38.4%) patients self-reported anxiety or depression, while 180 (17.7%) patients were reported to have anxiety or depression by their physicians. Controlling for age, gender, body mass index and clinical factors (flaring and severity), multiple regression analyses suggested that patients with anxiety or depression more often experienced treatment dissatisfaction (odds ratio [OR] 2.28; P < .001), had greater impairment in work (coefficient [β] = 11.82; P = .001) and usual activity (β = 14.73; P < .001), greater disability (β = .35; P < .001), and more often reported unemployment (OR 1.74; P = .001). Multinomial logistic regression revealed discordance between physician and patient satisfaction with treatment. For patients reporting anxiety or depression, physicians were more often satisfied with achievement of current disease control than patients (relative risk ratio 2.19; P = .002).ConclusionConcomitant anxiety or depression was associated with a significant incremental impact on the health-related quality of life and economic aspects of life of patients with RA. In light of observed differences between physician recognition of patient anxiety and/or depression versus patient reporting of anxiety and/or depression symptoms, further research is warranted to develop optimal screening and management of depression and anxiety in patients with RA.

<p>Psychological State and Associated Factors During the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic Among Filipinos with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus</p>

“…Depression and anxiety are frequently observed in rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus patients. [32][33][34][35] The current health crisis brought about by the quick spread of the SARS-Cov2 virus is a challenge to everyone's physical and mental health. In a pandemic such as this, fear increases anxiety and stress levels in healthy individuals and intensifies the symptoms of those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders.…”

“…The calculation of scores was based on previous studies. 14,15,22 The total depression subscale was divided into normal (0-9), mild depression (10)(11)(12), moderate depression (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), severe depression (21-27) and extremely severe depression symptoms (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42). The total anxiety subscale score was divided into normal (0-6), mild anxiety (7-9), moderate anxiety (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), severe anxiety (15)(16)(17)(18)(19) and extremely severe anxiety symptoms (20-42).…”

Mapping publication status and exploring hotspots in a research field: Rheumatoid arthritis with depression

“…These studies usually reflect the real situation of patients by self‐reported questionnaires and scales for evaluation. Although there are differences between the outcomes reported by patients and medical staff (Peterson et al., 2019), the results from patients are still valuable original data, providing convenience for the development of clinical research and various clues for further research. Ramos et al.…”

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Impact of Mental Health on Disease: A Narrative Review

“…Patients and physicians report anxiety and depression differently. One thousand fifteen pairs of RA patients and their physicians completed the anxiety/depression questionnaires; 38.4%, 9.9% and 67.1% cases of anxiety/depression were reported by the patients only, physicians only and both patients and physicians respectively [23].…”