QUALITY OF LIFE AND MENTAL HEALTH OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. LITERATURE REVIEW
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by persistent inflammation, joint damage, pain, and progressive functional limitations. These symptoms substantially reduce patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), affecting physical functioning, emotional well-being, social participation, and work capacity. In addition to physical impairment, RA is strongly associated with mental health problems. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and sleep disturbances occur significantly more often in RA patients than in the general population. Psychological distress not only develops as a reaction to chronic pain and disability but also contributes to increased disease activity, heightened pain perception, and reduced adherence to treatment. The relationship between mental health and quality of life in RA is complex and bidirectional: poor psychological well-being worsens physical outcomes, while disease progression further aggravates emotional difficulties. Understanding this interplay is essential for developing effective biopsychosocial management strategies. This review summarizes current evidence on the quality of life and mental health of individuals with RA and identifies key factors influencing these outcomes.
Aim. To review current literature on the quality of life and mental health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, identifying key determinants and the interplay between psychological status and health-related quality of life.
Search strategy. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords: “rheumatoid arthritis,” “quality of life,” “mental health,” “depression,” “anxiety,” “HRQoL.” Inclusion criteria: articles published in the last 10 years, in English, focused on adult RA populations. Narrative review methodology was applied.
Results and conclusions. Evidence shows that reduced quality of life in RA is strongly associated with pain, functional limitations, fatigue, and psychological distress. Depression and anxiety are reported in up to one-third of patients and substantially worsen disease outcomes. Multidisciplinary management - including optimized pharmacotherapy, patient education, psychological support, and physical activity – d emonstrates effectiveness in improving both mental health and quality of life. Further research is needed to develop integrated biopsychosocial interventions.
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Togizbayev G.A., Zhandarbekova B.B., Nogayeva M.G., Nurgaliyeva B.K., Samarovа U.S., Iskakova N.S. Quality of life and mental health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Literature review // Nauka i Zdravookhranenie [Science & Healthcare]. 2025. Vol.27 (6), pp. 212-219. doi 10.34689/SH.2025.27.6.023Related publications:
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