Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pain and disability [1]. The pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis not only leads to physical discomfort but also significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. Despite recent advancements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that have effectively suppressed inflammation, many patients continue to report persistent pain [1,2].

The symptoms experienced by patients with rheumatoid arthritis are primarily due to associated inflammation; however, psychological factors, such as stress, also contribute to pain [2,3]. Research indicates that when depression coexists with rheumatoid arthritis, the likelihood of achieving remission decreases, and disease activity increases, thereby confirming a bidirectional relationship in which rheumatoid arthritis and depression can exacerbate each other’s symptoms [4]. A study utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that the prevalence of depression among rheumatoid arthritis patients was 17.4%, significantly higher than the 4.9% observed in the non-rheumatoid arthritis group. Furthermore, the risk of depression was greatest among patients experiencing severe pain [5]. Another domestic study also identified a correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and an increased risk of developing depression [6]. Consequently, psychosocial factors, including anxiety and depression, play a crucial role in predicting pain prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients, akin to other chronic pain conditions [7]. Additionally, disparities in pain among rheumatoid arthritis patients have been linked to social inequalities, such as racial and ethnic differences [8,9]. Nevertheless, current treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis primarily focus on controlling inflammation, suggesting that the relative neglect of psychosocial factors reflects the prevailing state of clinical practice.

Kim et al. [10] published a paper entitled “Impact of disease-related indicators on pain measures in rheumatoid arthritis: a biopsychosocial perspective” to underscore the significance of psychosocial factors that are frequently neglected in the pain management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This research explored the relationship between pain, disease-related indicators, and psychological factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending outpatient clinics. Furthermore, the study focused on Asian individuals, marking a significant departure from the predominantly Western data previously relied upon in clinical practice.

The study was conducted on 133 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for a minimum of 3 months, based on the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or the 2010 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria [11]. Exclusion criteria included fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases that could cause pain.

According to the study results, depression emerged as the most significant factor influencing pain severity, pain catastrophizing, and pain interference. This indicates that the pain experience of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is significantly affected not only by biological indicators, which are typically regarded as important, but also by psychological factors. Therefore, it seems necessary to evaluate psychological factors, such as depression, to effectively manage pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The limitations of this study can be summarized in two key points. First, the quantitative assessment of fatigue, anxiety, and depression was not included in the Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics and targeted therapy registry, which hindered a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between pain and these factors. Second, conditions that may accompany pain, such as fibromyalgia, were excluded to enhance the accuracy of the analysis. To address these limitations, it may be beneficial to conduct research utilizing additional assessment tools that incorporate a quantitative evaluation of psychosocial factors. Furthermore, it is important to consider more extensive statistical analyses for groups that include individuals with fibromyalgia.

In conclusion, this study, despite certain limitations, offers valuable insights into pain management for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including those in Asia. The findings suggest that a multifaceted treatment approach, which incorporates the psychosocial factors affecting patients, is essential for reducing pain intensity. Moreover, given the previously mentioned limitations, conducting a multicenter study that encompasses a range of psychosocial elements and comorbidities is anticipated to be highly beneficial in clinical practice.