A 62-year-old woman with depressive disorder due to a medical condition - rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Depression is one of the most significant comorbidities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), often displaying a chronic course. There exists a bidirectional relationship between the two pathologies: RA is a risk factor for depression, and depression exacerbates the severity of RA. Diagnosing and treating both conditions is of paramount importance, with a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. This article presents the case of a 62-year-old patient experiencing both pathologies, examining the underlying physiopathological mechanisms of the association, as well as therapeutic possibilities, thus emphasizing the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach.