Objectives The psychological aspect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often overlooked in the clinical monitoring of the disease. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify factors that influence them.

Methods Patients with RA were included in a cross-sectional study. We have collected the demographic characteristics and the characteristics of the RA: duration of evolution, morning stiffness in minutes, functional impact of the disease assessed by the HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) and disease activity estimated by the DAS28-ESR. The psychiatric assessment was made by the DASS -21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale). Factors influencing depression and anxiety were tested by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results 103 patients were included with a mean age of 49.7±11.4 years and a female predominance (n=90 (87.4%)). the median of disease progression duration was 8.16 years [3.25-14.16].

The diagnosis of depression was found in 23.3% of patients and the anxiety in 30.1% of them. In the univariate analysis, depression and anxiety were associated with a high disease activity, a significant pain intensity and a significant functional impairment (p<0.001). After multivariate analysis, only the higher HAQ remained significantly associated with depression (OR=3.24, p=0.005, 95% CI [1.22 to 5.38]) and anxiety (OR =2.56, p=0.013, 95% CI [1.44 to 7.33]).

Conclusions Our study shows a high frequency of both anxiety and depression in the RA. It seems that anxiety is more frequent than depression. Both events would be more marked in patients with significant functional impairment.

Disclosure of Interest None declared

DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5817