Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects women more prevalently than men; it consists of joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The symptoms can begin suddenly, sometimes even in childhood or middle adulthood, but most often in later adulthood. Oftentimes, symptoms progress and go through phases of remission over a long period of time. While the effects of the disease are primarily noticeable in physical limitations and decline, RA also has strong implications on psychosocial (emotional and mental) aspects, thus influencing one’s social involvement and close relationships.
Please view the video below to examine specific physical changes in an RA diagnosis. Through understanding the physical changes that occur throughout a diagnosis, the emotional occurrences become more apparent (الدال على الخير كفاعله., 2012).
There are varying cases of rheumatoid arthritis; the intensity of the disease’s symptoms is a case-by-case basis. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis can become debilitated by the physical aspects of the disease, the psychological effects and social factors involved with the diagnosis are often overlooked; these are significant implications regarding the relationship between the mind and body. Depression is not uncommon as one struggles to accept their new reality (Palkonyai, Kolarz, Kopp, Bogye, Temesvari, Palkonyay, Meszaros, 2007); one must intentionally transition into accepting their newfound limitations while facing worries regarding their diagnosis. Gåfvels, Hägerström, Nordmark, and Wändell (2012) found that a lack of employment due to lower physical functioning also leads to loneliness and unworthy feelings as one may experience a lack of purpose and community. Emotional adjustment and an accepting view of the disease showed positive correlation to acceptance of the intensity of the disease (and a decrease in intensity) and lessened the severity of its negative impact. On the other hand, heightened stress showed an increase in pain. Gafvels et al. (2012) also displayed the positive correlation between social support at the early onset of the disease and higher levels of disease acceptance; this was shown to more than likely lessen anxiety, stress, and depression, each of which tend to worsen the disease process when present.
Imagine you have a family member experiencing the early day to day symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. How can you be an advocate to her emotional state? What type of conversation would you want to be sure to have to increase her acceptance of her diagnosis and assist her in overcoming an emotionally debilitating state?
Human Development By, Stefanie Carlander 