Can diet influence depression among patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

This study investigated the relationships among depression and anxiety, diet, and disease activity or physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The data showed that there was a relationship between depression and lower fish intake frequency in these patients. 

RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in pain, swelling, joint destruction, and disabilities. Patients with RA often have accompanying disorders that are not treatable with new RA therapies that target inflammation.

Depression and anxiety are commonly seen in patients with RA. Inflammatory responses can be triggered by psychological stress. A relationship exists between elevated inflammatory markers and conventional antidepressant therapy resistance.

Recent studies have shown the benefits of consuming foods rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, folic acid, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for depression and anxiety. Anti-inflammatory foods include fish, fruits, and vegetables. However, the relationships among depression and anxiety, and diet in patients with RA are unclear.

This study included 267 women with RA. Diet was evaluated through self-reported food frequency questionnaires. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). 

There was an association between higher depression scores and lower fish, vegetable, and fruit consumption. The consumption of fish less than 3 times a week was significantly associated with a higher depression score.

The study showed that a lower fish consumption was associated with a higher depression score in women with RA. 

The study included only female patients. The study relied on self-reporting by patients for diet information. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.