Psychoanalysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the treatment of fluoxetine / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the state of psychoanalysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and assess the Quality of life with fluoxetine therapy. Methods Fifty-three patients were evaluated by self-rating depression scale (SDS). The depression group were treated with fluoxetine. The quality of life of patientswith RA at the study entry and at the end of study were evaluated by questionnaire. Results 77.6% of these patients had clinical features of depression. A high frequency including upset, loss of interest, insomnia, irritability and life devoid of meaning were observed. The SDS and quality of life scores were improved after treated with fluoxetine. Conclusion There is serious depression in patients with RA. The therapy with fluox-etine can help to improve the quality of life.