Prevalence of Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in A Rheumatology Centre at Hanamkonda

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness with an unclear cause that manifests autoimmune inflammatory disorders marked by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Depression is a mental illness linked to frequent flare-ups of symptoms, increasing disability, poor quality of life and Prognosis in RA patients. The frequency and prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients have risen and in this study analysis of the signs and symptoms using the Hamilton Depression rating scale is expected to support the idea of early identification and treatment can improve patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis and to evaluate the inflammatory markers in people with and without depression. Study was carried out at Dr. Naresh Rheumatism and Arthritis centre, hanamkonda for a period of 6 months. Data analysis was done using unpaired t-test with the help of Graph pad prism. Results: 550 rheumatoid arthritis patients in total were enrolled over the study duration. Out of 550 individuals, 465 were diagnosed with depression, while 85 were found to be normal. In rheumatoid arthritis, depression prevalence was more in females (86.6%) than males (13.4%). Among total patients 88% of people were non adherent to medication. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis was higher in women compared to men. Early diagnosis and management of depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients can improve their quality of life. Significantly low medication adherence (88%) in rheumatoid arthritis patients was due to low socioeconomic status and increased age.