EFFECTIVENESS OF PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES IN REDUCING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic intervention in reducing depression and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. During the study, the psychoemotional state of the patients, the level of disease activity and quality of life indicators were studied based on the standard psychodiagnostic scales HADS and SF-36. The results showed that a significant proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have clinical and subclinical anxiety and depressive disorders. Psychoemotional disorders are explained by the intensity of pain in patients, partial or complete limitation of physical activity, social isolation and an abundance of irrational thoughts. The presence of such complaints has a significant impact on quality of life indicators. In patients who received psychotherapeutic intervention, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, a significant decrease in anxiety and depression, a decrease in pain perception and a positive change in quality of life indicators were observed. In the group that received rational psychotherapy, it was found that the dynamics were low