Abstract
Objectives:To determine the level of depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis and its relationship with severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis.Methods:This cross sectional analytical study was conducted from March 2014 to May 2014.Total 102 cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) diagnosed as per ACR (American College of Rheumatology) 1987 criteria were enrolled from Rheumatology Department, Fatima Memorial Hospital. Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis was assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and disease activity score (DAS - 28) while severity of depression was measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale II questionnaire. The relationship between depression and disease activity (severity) of Rheumatoid Arthritis was assessed by calculating correlation coefficient between depression, disease activity score (DAS 28) of Rheumatoid Arthritis and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ).Results:Out of 102 patients, 77(75.5%) were females and 25(24.5%) males. The mean age of patients was 43.5± 11.9 years and the mean duration of disease was 7.8 ± 5.5 years.71.5% of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients were found to have some degree of depression and this was directly related to the severity of disease. Moderate and severe depression were present in 23 (22.5%) and 19(18.6%) patients respectively.Conclusion:In this study, almost three-fourths of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients were found to have depression. There was a strong association between Rheumatoid Arthritis disease activity and the level of depression. So it is imperative for clinicians treating Rheumatoid Arthritis patients to screen them for co morbid depression and manage it accordingly.
Highlights
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of chronic polyarticular inflammatory arthritis characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, bony erosions and progressive articular destruction leading to varying degrees of physical disability.[1]
Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis was assessed by health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and DAS - 28
There was a strong association between Rheumatoid Arthritis disease activity and the level of depression
Summary
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of chronic polyarticular inflammatory arthritis characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, bony erosions and progressive articular destruction leading to varying degrees of physical disability.[1]. The prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in India (0.75%) is similar to that reported in white population from Manchester U.K (0.8%). Co morbid depression has been shown to independently increase work disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis. The loss of recreational and social activities in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis has been shown to significantly increase the risk of depressive symptoms. The coexistence of both conditions adds to the burden of the disease on the health care system as well, with increased physician and general practitioner visits, increased pain complaints and more requests for analgesia. Beyond the increase in risk for poor health and associated greater health care costs, depression interferes with daily functioning and worsens the quality of life.[6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
