Assessment of depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients and comparison with healthy individuals

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling condition that results in considerable suffering and negatively impacts an individual's psychological, financial, social, and quality of life (QoL). Pain, fatigue, and disabilities, which may be considered as stress factors, are common challenges that may subsequently lead to psychological distress. Aim: Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and QoL in RA patients and Comparison with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 50 RA patients who have reported to a tertiary health care center on outpatient basis and an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. The study was conducted after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval and informed consent of the participants. Patients were assessed based on Disease Activity Score incorporating erythrocyte sedimentation rates, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DAS21), Health Assessment questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale, and Multidimensional scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: Levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with RA were significantly higher as compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RA patients had significantly lower scores on total social support, as well as social support of family and friends. However, there was no difference between RA patients and healthy controls on social support from significant others. Conclusion: Patients with RA had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress and significantly lower levels of social support compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The therapeutic implications of these findings need further evaluation.