To identify risk factors for the development of depression in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Subjects were divided into depressed versus nondepressed groups on the basis of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale; a range of psychological, pain-related, disease-related, and demographic variables were analyzed to predict depression. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal predictive models were examined.
A series of analyses, including multiple logistic regression, found that the optimal predictors of depression in RA were average daily stressors, confidence in one's ability to cope, and degree of physical disability. The model was successfully cross-validated on separate data sets (i.e., same subjects at different time points).
All of the identified risk factors for depression in RA are preventable to some extent and, therefore, should be addressed in comprehensive, rheumatology team care.