[Assessment of depression in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross sectional study on 60 patients].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of depression in a series of Tunisian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify factors associated with its occurrence.

METHODS: We performed a cross sectional study on 60 patients with RA. The evaluation of depression was performed using the Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale.

RESULTS: Our study revealed a high prevalence of depression in RA patients (45%). The main predictor factors of its occurrence were female gender, absence of professional activity, absence of social support, high activity of RA, impaired quality of life and existence of structural damage.

PERSPECTIVES: Our results highlight the importance of a good management of RA in order to prevent the occurrence of depression. They also underline the interest of screening for depression in RA patients to avoid its adverse effects on the course of RA.