The impact of tocilizumab on anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL‐6 antagonist, upon anxiety and depressive symptoms in a cohort of RA patients. This study was designed to include adults who diagnosed with RA who received a weekly subcutaneous injection of tocilizumab for 24 weeks. The Hamilton Depression and Anxiety scores in order were applied to evaluate the severity of depression and anxiety, respectively. Researchers evaluated RA disease activity indices and depression and anxiety levels at baseline, 4 weeks, and study completion. A total of 91 individuals were enrolled in the study. The data revealed a favourable effect of TCZ therapy on parameters reflecting depression and anxiety severity in patients with RA.