The association between disease duration and mood disorders in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Depression and anxiety were almost doubled in frequency in early RA than in long-standing RA patients. RA patients with short disease duration, high HAQ-DI and GS score were more likely to be in depression and anxiety. Key Points • Mood disorders were more frequent in early RA than non-early RA patients. • More attention to psychological status is needed in RA patients. • RA patients with short disease duration, poor physical function and severe synovitis were more likely to have depression and/or anxiety.