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.