THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - THE ROLE OF FUNCTION

Objective. To examine the role of function and functional changes in t he development of depressive symptoms among women with rheumatoid arth ritis (RA). Methods. Data from a longitudinal panel study of persons w ith RA were used, Functional changes were assessed from 1989 to 1991, and depressive symptoms during 1992. Results. Loss of valued activitie s was a significant risk factor for developing depressive symptoms (i, e., score of greater than or equal to 7 on the Short Form Geriatric De pression Scale), but overall functional decline was not. Conclusion. T he aspect of functional decline that leads to development of depressiv e symptoms is the loss of valued activities, not simply the functional impairment.