Anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study of 400 patients.
We investigated psychological and clinical factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by studying 400 patients at 6 month intervals over a mean 3.1 (1.2 SD) years utilizing the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales psychological scales. Entry clinical and demographic variables explained 25% of the variance in psychological scores. Patients with RA had scores similar to those with other rheumatic disorders (n = 441), and scores remained stable over the study period. Development of depression was associated with socioeconomic not clinical factors, and disease activity appeared to have a limited effect on psychological status. Initial psychological scores were associated with subsequent pain levels and number of physician visits.
Hawley
D J
DJ
Arthritis Center, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita.
Wolfe
F
F
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors