Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

✍ Scribed by Ray Fitzpatrick

• Year: 1995
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 241
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major cause of disability affecting about 1% of the population. Although much effort has been expended on research into the causes and cures of RA, little progress has been made. The focus of treatment in RA is on reducing the disabling consequences of the disease and controlling the symptoms. Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis examines the nature of RA and its symptoms of pain and stiffness. The role of health care professionals and the individual's encounters with the doctor are important to understand as these experiences influence the individual's behaviour and understanding of their RA. This book will be an invaluable aid to the considerable number of people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, their families, carers and all health professionals involved in its treatment.

✦ Table of Contents

Preliminaries......Page 1
Contents......Page 6
Acknowledgements......Page 8
1 Introduction......Page 12
2 The disorder and its treatment......Page 18
3 The experience of rheumatoid arthritis......Page 34
4 Pain and stiffness......Page 56
5 Quality of life......Page 72
6 Patient physician relationships......Page 96
7 Coping with rheumatoid arthritis......Page 122
8 Social support and family relationships......Page 146
9 Psychological therapies......Page 174
References......Page 194
Index......Page 230