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.