The Emotional Roller Coaster of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Depression is common
In rheumatoid patients, depression is extremely common at 16.8 percent. This prevalence is more than 3 times the prevalence of depression found within the general population. There are many reasons why people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis may be sadder than healthy adults. Not only are they constantly afraid of the pain from a flare, but they are also impeded by the deformities of their joints that limit their function. This puts a lot of strain not only on the patient but on his or her family and friends as well.
