Depression and anxiety may reduce rheumatoid arthritis remission

Levels of depression and anxiety should be monitored in people with rheumatoid arthritis, after a study found that they may impact on the odds of remission, a team reported at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.

Scientists assessed 1,450 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 805 patients with psoriatic arthritis. They examined the association between the presence or absence of moderate or extreme depression and anxiety at the start of the study and remission after three months and six months of treatment.

At the beginning of the study, 40.7% of both groups had moderate depression and anxiety. This became more severe in 2.8% of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 3% of the psoriatic arthritis group.

– In those that had rheumatoid arthritis, depression and anxiety at the start of the study was associated with decreased remission at six months and at three months.

– In those that had psoriatic arthritis, depression and anxiety at the start of the study was associated with decreased remission at three months but not at six months.

The researchers conclude:

“These results suggest that depression and anxiety should be considered in routine care and in treat-to-target strategies.”

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