Epidemiology of Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Depression is a major disabling factor around the world. Most of the mental disorders immediately affect the inner mood and cognitive aspect of individuals. Therefore, hiding the depression can delay the early diagnosis and, consequently, a proper treatment in the patients. Objectives: We designed the study to determine the association between rheumatoid diseases and depression. Methods: This is a descriptive - analytic study which was performed on 354 patients referred to Rheumatology Clinic of Ahvaz, a province in south west of Iran in 2016. Then demographic information, depression, quality of life and social support were completed based on standardized questionnaires filled by the patients. Results: The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients was 61.63%, 73.52% and 60%, respectively. There is a meaningful relationship between depression, age and duration of disease in SSc patients. There is a significant relationship between depression and gender in SLE and RA patients. There is a significant relationship between depression and the degree of education of SLE patients. There is a meaningful relationship between depression and quality of life, social support and corticosteroid consumption. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression is very high in all three diseases, which is equal in terms of quality of life, social support and corticosteroid usage in all three diseases. Psychiatric disorders such as depression are common in rheumatic patients.