Depression in rheumatoid arthritis can mean less adherence to treatment

People with rheumatoid arthritis who are depressed could be less likely to stick to treatment and experience worse outcomes that those without depression, says research published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology.
Experts looked at 78 people (average age of 44 years; average disease duration of 10 years) who were receiving more than one disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug; they had no history of significant comorbidities. Health status (physical and mental) of the participants was evaluated.
Current major depressive episodes were diagnosed in 24 of the volunteers (30.8%). Clinically important depressive symptoms were experienced by 41 people (53%): 20 had mild depression, 14 had moderate depression and 7 had severe depression.
People with high depression scores were more likely to struggle with adherence to therapy and experience greater disease activity.
Those with good levels of adherence to treatment with lower depression scores had better disease outcomes than those with good levels of adherence who had higher depression ratings.
There is therefore a need for healthcare professionals to speak to people with rheumatoid arthritis about the risk of depression. Tailored therapy approaches are needed to ensure that rheumatoid arthritis is not exacerbated by mental health issues.

Click here to read the original research.

Photo credit: Alyssa L. Miller