Mapping publication status and exploring hotspots in a research field: Rheumatoid arthritis with depression

Aim: To make a bibliometric analysis of the current research status and hot spots in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) -related depression.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: Based on the Web of Science database, studies in the past 5 years from 1 January 2015-5 November 2019 have been included. Data were analysed from annual number of published papers, main research institutions, core authors, core teams and research topics by using bibliometric approaches.

Results: Related papers (N = 1,073) were obtained. The field of RA-related depression is in a stable development stage, forming core authors and core teams. The epidemiological characteristics, influencing factors, prediction effect and the intervention of RA-related depression are common research directions and themes. The common role of auto-antibodies and inflammatory factors in the development of RA and depression, the risk of cardiovascular events and disease burden caused by RA-related depression are newly emerging research topics.

Conclusion: The RA-related depression has been widely concerned by scholars and the research field is gradually mature. However, the research on the prevention and intervention of RA-related depression is still wanting, which needs to be strengthened. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: The research revealed the most popular institutions, authors, research teams, emerging issues and 'hot topics' in the RA-related depression field, which might suggest avenues for future research in this field.