Depression and Anxiety Are Real Issues for Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis

There's nothing worse than sprinkling a little anxiety on a background of depression, and unfortunately, the two often come hand-in-hand. About 25% of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis end up screening positive for anxiety in an outpatient clinic, and about 16.3% screen positive for both anxiety and depression.

If you could believe it, the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in rheumatoid arthritis could actually be under-reported.

These numbers sound awfully high and are extremely worrisome for the rheumatoid arthritis community. But even more worrisome is the number of rheumatoid arthritis patients who might be missed in the initial screening. Many people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis aren't routinely screened for these mood disturbances. And what makes the diagnosis even more difficult is the fact that many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can mask the symptoms of depression or anxiety.