Effect of Depressive Symptoms on Treatment Response in AxSpA

This original research article evaluates the effect of depressive symptoms on treatment outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), specifically focusing on low disease activity (LDA) and inactive disease (ID) after 3 and 6 months of new systemic therapy. The analysis utilizes data from the longitudinal RABBIT-SpA register, assessing depressive symptoms with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The study includes 1755 patients, revealing that 29% exhibited moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms at baseline. The findings indicate that patients with these symptoms had lower odds of achieving LDA or ID at both time points compared to those with no or mild symptoms. Logistic regression models were employed to adjust for confounding variables, confirming the independent negative impact of depressive symptoms on treatment response. The study underscores the necessity for routine mental health screening in axSpA management to enhance disease outcomes.