Depression, illness perception and coping in rheumatoid arthritis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Psychiatry
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• Understanding psychological factors like depression is crucial for managing RA.
• Illness perception and coping strategies may mediate the relationship between RA and mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between depression, illness perception, coping strategies, and adverse childhood events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
• To explore the role of physical disability in these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-two out-patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were assessed.
• Validated questionnaires were used to measure depression, anxiety, illness perception, and coping strategies.
• Clinical assessment of physical state and childhood adversity were also conducted.

Main Results:

• Depressed RA patients exhibited higher disability, a more negative illness view, and utilized more negative coping strategies.
• No association was found between depression and childhood adversity.
• After controlling for disability, depression remained significantly correlated with negative views of illness consequences and lower perceived control over the illness.

Conclusions:

• Depression in RA patients is closely linked to a negative perception of their illness.
• Illness perception, particularly concerning consequences and control, is a key factor associated with depression in RA, independent of disability.
• Targeting illness perception may be beneficial in managing depression among RA patients.