This book provides an integrative approach for the management and care of the arthritis patient. Many different psychological, social, and behavioral factors have been shown to affect the quality of life of arthritis patients beyond the effects of the disease and the response to medications and treatments. The book establishes a biopsychosocial framework for understanding the interplay between psychological and physical aspects of rheumatic disease and summarizes the research about the psychosocial aspects that affect patients with arthritis, including stress, social support, doctor-patient communication, and sleep patterns. It explores the practice of incorporating psychological and behavioral approaches in the rheumatology clinic in order to surmount the problems of access and enhance the quality of care, promotes a comprehensive perspective on the numerous issues affecting persons with arthritis, and provides clinical guidelines for management. Psychosocial Factors in Arthritis is a valuable resource for behavioral medicine researchers, behavioral clinicians, and a range of arthritis professionals, including rheumatologists, nurses, and other allied health service practitioners.  

Perry M. Nicassio, Ph.D. Clinical Professor Department of Psychiatry University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA

Preface.- Part I: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Arthritis.- New perspectives on the biopsychosocial model.- Arthritis pain.- Coping and arthritis.- Psychiatric co-morbidity in arthritis.- Stress and arthritis.- Social support and arthritis.- Quality of life/disability.- Health care utilization.- Adherence/doctor patient communication.- Psychosocial and behavioral influences on inflammation.- Sleep disturbance and health outcomes.- Patient beliefs and schemas.- Cultural factors in arthritis care.- Part II: Managing arthritis in the clinical setting.- Overview and applicability of psychological/behavioral approaches.- Screening of psychological distress.- Dissemination of psychological approaches.- Future directions in management.- Index.