Study: Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Doing Better

People with rheumatoid arthritis today feel better and have an easier time with daily life than those diagnosed 20 years ago, a study finds. The study included 1,151 people. They were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis between 1990 and 2011. Researchers kept track of them for 3 to 5 years. After those few years of treatment, about 23% of people diagnosed 20 years ago reported anxiety. About 25% were depressed. Just over half reported physical disability. These problems were cut in half for people diagnosed just a few years ago. In this group, about 12% reported anxiety and 14% were depressed after 3 to 5 years of treatment. About 31% were disabled. Researchers noted that patients today receive earlier and more intensive treatment. They are encouraged to be physically active. Medicine options also have expanded.