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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Communication about depression during rheumatoid arthritis patient visits
Article first published online: 31 JAN 2008
DOI: 10.1002/art.23347
Copyright © 2008 by the American College of Rheumatology
Additional Information
How to Cite
Sleath, B., Chewning, B., de Vellis, B. M., Weinberger, M., de Vellis, R. F., Tudor, G. and Beard, A. (2008), Communication about depression during rheumatoid arthritis patient visits. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 59: 186–191. doi: 10.1002/art.23347
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Dr. Tudor has received consultant fees (less than $10,000) from Alcon Pharmaceuticals.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 31 JAN 2008
- Article first published online: 31 JAN 2008
- Manuscript Accepted: 20 AUG 2007
- Manuscript Received: 1 MAY 2007
Funded by
- National Institute of Aging
- Abstract
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- Cited By
Abstract
Objective
To examine whether rheumatologists and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with depressive symptoms communicate about depression.
Methods
The data used in this study came from a randomized controlled trial to improve provider-patient communication about patients' agendas. The current secondary analysis used data collected at baseline, before any intervention occurred. A total of 200 RA patients from 4 rheumatology clinics participated in the study. Patient medical visits were audiotape recorded and patients were interviewed after their medical visits. Physicians recorded patients' American College of Rheumatology (ACR) functional status after their visits.
Results
Twenty-one (11%) patients were scored as having moderately severe to severe symptoms of depression. Patients who were rated by their physicians as having worse ACR functional status were more than twice as likely to have moderately severe to severe symptoms of depression (odds ratio 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.6). Only 4 (19%) of the 21 patients who were scored as having moderately severe to severe symptoms of depression discussed depression during their medical visits, and patients initiated the discussion each time.
Conclusion
Rheumatologists should consider assessing depressive symptoms among their patients, especially among those with worse functional status.