title: Depressive symptoms in early rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative longitudinal study.
abstract: Our objective was to investigate symptoms of depression in early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA) patients, and follow them longitudinally during a 3-year prospective study of 73 Hungarian and 45 Austrian early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Compared to validated national population data, mild symptoms of depression were detected in Hungarian early rheumatoid arthritis patients, which were independent of corticosteroid use. In the Hungarian subgroup, the Beck Depression Inventory scores were found to be stable during follow-up. Except at the baseline visit, depressive symptoms and functional status, as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire, were correlated. Significant differences were detected between Austrian and Hungarian patients despite of their geographical and cultural proximity. The mean depression score was higher in the Hungarian when compared to the Austrian patients. Depression is an important feature of early rheumatoid arthritis. Studies assessing depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients must be based on validated national data of normal population.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Frankel Leo ut 38-40, Budapest 1023, Hungary. palkonyai.eva@orfi.hu
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Palkonyai
authors.forename: Gernot
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kolarz
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: Gabor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bogye
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Temesvari
authors.forename: Laszlo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Palkonyay
authors.forename: Istvan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ratko
authors.forename: Eszter
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Meszaros
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones