Abstract
In five samples totalling 437 RA patients from an outpatient department of a University Clinic, we studied the prevalence and determinants of a clinically relevant depression. It reached a maximum of 31% (Beck Depression-Inventory). Early and chronic polyarthritics did not differ in respect to the prevalence.
The smaller part of the variance of the BDI scores (20-40% maximally) can be accounted for by disability and age. The greater part remains unexplained. Structural social isolation is unlikely to exert any influence. Thus we have to consider also a predisposition and/or premorbidity hypothesis in order to understand why a depression is triggered off, is intensified, or becomes chronic in the presence of RA.
The smaller part of the variance of the BDI scores (20-40% maximally) can be accounted for by disability and age. The greater part remains unexplained. Structural social isolation is unlikely to exert any influence. Thus we have to consider also a predisposition and/or premorbidity hypothesis in order to understand why a depression is triggered off, is intensified, or becomes chronic in the presence of RA.
| Translated title of the contribution | Depression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Journal | Aktuelle Rheumatologie |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 69-74 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| ISSN | 0341-051X |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 03.1986 |
