PAIN AND RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - COURSE OF DISEASE, CORRELATIONS AND THERAPY

The conclusions of a five-year longitudinal study in pain and rheumato id arthritis (n = 112) are as follows: The majority of patients with r heumatoid arthritis suffer from continous and severe pain. Pain increa ses until the first two decades of medical history; there is a trend t o decrease after this turning point. During a five-year period the pai n increases, whereas complaints, functional restraints and anxiety dec rease. The course of pain during a five-year period depends on the fir st test value. Psychological therapy decreases pain, complaints and en hances mental well-being.