BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the commonest inflammatory arthritis. Comorbid anxiety and depression are common, but under-recognised and under-treated. Depression in RA has been linked to reduced quality of life and treatment response and increased mortality. Past research into co-morbid mood problems in RA has mainly focused on the prevalence and impact of depression.AimTo complete a systematic review to explore the impact of anxiety on QOL and treatment outcomes in RA.MethodThe systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO. Databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase and Medline) have been systematically searched for relevant studies. Titles and abstracts have been independently screened by two reviewers. Data extraction and quality appraisal of studies will be carried out using a customized and piloted data extraction tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion or by a third reviewer. A narrative synthesis framework will be used to develop a theory of how anxiety impacts on QOL and treatment response and a meta-analysis performed.ResultsThe search has identified 6404 articles. After title screening, 284 abstracts have been reviewed and 48 full texts are being reviewed for inclusion. Full text review is ongoing, and results of the analysis will be presented.ConclusionHighlighting the impact of anxiety on outcomes in RA may suggest areas for future implementation studies to improve patient outcomes, potentially reducing associated morbidity and mortality.
Correction to: The association between anxiety and disease activity and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis