Depression in Saudi Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known about its prevalence and risk factors among Saudi patients, specifically. Therefore, this study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression in patients with RA in Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients registered at the Saudi Charitable Association for Rheumatic Diseases. Inclusion criteria were that the patients either met the American College of Rheumatology 1987 revised criteria for the classification of RA or the 2010 RA classification criteria. Demographic data and clinical variables were collected, and Beck's 21-item Depression Inventory was used to assess for depression.

Of the 210 participants with RA, 171 were women (81.4%), and 39 were men (18.6%). The prevalence of depression was 68%. There were significant relationships between age, gender, marital status, and having depression. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was positive in 144 participants (68.6%), which positively correlated with the risk of having depression (P value < 0.001). Moreover, depression severity correlated with age, gender, marital status, RF positivity, and prolonged disease duration.

Based on the results, depression is highly prevalent in Saudi patients with RA, especially those with positive RF and those who are female, middle-aged, and divorced. Early detection and treatment of depression in patients with RA is highly recommended to improve their quality of life and avoid unfavorable effects on RA clinical progression.