Facing arthritis: helping patients to handle their disease and concerns

Figures & data

Table 1. Negative emotional and social situations and coping strategies facing arthritis according to patients and doctors´opinion

The four most negative emotional and social situations when assessing arthritis

i. The patient believes their disease evolves worse than the doctor says ii. The patient doesn´t know aspects of the control/monitoring of their illness iii. The patient feels that he/she does not really participate in decision making iv. The patient is dissatisfied with the overall treatment received

Main coping strategies against arthritis evaluated by patients and doctors

1. Proactivity – act oneself to solve the problem 2. Self-criticism – correct own actions and attitudes 3. Emotional expression – express what it feels like 4. Desiderative thinking – imagine better situations 5. To seek the social support from trusted people 6. Cognitive restructuring – see the situation differently 7. Avoidance the problem – pretend to ignore the problem 8. Social withdrawal – avoid people or specific difficult situations