The August issue of Arthritis Care and Research contains two new studies that establish a link between depression, inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The first study asked 218 RA patients to answer several questions about themselves and their RA. Researchers from two Nagoya, Japan universities who conducted the study also took blood samples from participants to check for the presence of C-reactive protein, a blood protein that is present in higher concentrations during bouts of extreme inflammation.

The scientists found that inflammation and depression could each increase the likelihood of severe pain, but together they increased the possibility more drastically.

Treating the patient only was proven to be a limited course of action by the second study, which found that aggravation of pain could occur when the RA patient’s spouse is showing symptoms of depression.
"The mood and mental health of the marital partner or other key members of the family may be critically important to consider in developing more effective and evidence-based treatment for RA patients," said Dr Anita DeLongis from the University of British Columbia, one of the study’s authors.

People living with RA may benefit from yoga or tai chi, both of which can help elevate mood and reduce inflammation. Supplements such as folic acid and green tea extract can also help with inflammation, while omega-3 fatty acids help to regulate emotions and minimize inflamed joints and tissue.