Helplessness and depression in rheumatoid arthritis.

Found that scores on a measure of helplessness mediated the relationship between severe, disabling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and depression in 106 RA patients (aged 23–81 yrs). This association was independent of a previously demonstrated correlation between cognitive distortion and depression in RA patients. However, the association between disease severity and depression was mediated by Ss' views of their ability to control or cope with their disease. Both helplessness and cognitive distortion may be important factors in the development and treatment of depression among RA patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)