Psychological characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with severe anxiety and depression

The negative impact of chronic disease on the psychological well-being and adaptation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a common problem despite advances in its comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation. In this context, it is important to investigate the psychological factors that determine the extent of anxiety and depression in patients with RA. Objective : to analyze the perception of the disease, mindfulness and self-compassion as psychological characteristics of patients with RA and marked anxiety-depressive manifestations. Material and methods . A total of 180 patients (149 women and 31 men) with a confirmed diagnosis of RA were examined. Their mean age was 43.41±11.18 years, and the mean duration of the disease was 10.03±8.98 years. A package of psychodiagnostic methods was used to assess the level of anxiety and depression, characteristics of the disease perception, development of mindfulness skills, and components of self-compassion. Results and discussion . Based on the study data, two patient groups were identified: patients with clinically significant anxiety and depressive manifestations and patients without them. The perception of the disease in patients with marked anxiety-depressive manifestations was characterized by the expectation of a threat from the disease, emotional apprehension and a decrease in the sense of personal control over the disease. In addition, in this group general and structural indicators of awareness and self-compassion were reduced. Conclusion . The specificity of disease perception, diminished awareness and capacity for self-compassion can be considered as psychological characteristics of patients with RA who have marked anxiety and depressive manifestations. The study allowed us to gain new, more differentiated ideas about the goals of psychodiagnostics and psychological correction in RA.