Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ray Fitzpatrick, Stanton Newman, Tracey Revenson, Suzanne Skevington, Gareth Williams

Routledge, Aug 2, 2005 - Health & Fitness - 256 pages

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.

Contents

• Chapter 1 Introduction: 1
• Chapter 2 The disorder and its treatment: 7
• Chapter 3 The experience of rheumatoid arthritis: 23
• Chapter 4 Pain and stiffness: 45
• Chapter 5 Quality of life: 61
• Chapter 6 Patientphysician relationships: 85
• Chapter 7 Coping with rheumatoid arthritis: 111
• Chapter 8 Social support and family relationships: 135
• Chapter 9 Psychological therapies: 163
• References: 183
• Index: 219

About the author

Stanton Newman is Professor of Health Psychology at University College Medical School, University of London,
Ray Fitzpatrick is a Fellow at Nuffield College and University Lecturer in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford,
Tracey A.Revenson is Associate Professor of Psychology at the Graduate School and University Center, City University, New York,
Suzanne Skevington is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the School of Social Sciences, University of Bath,
Gareth Williams is Reader in Sociology of Health and Illness at the Institute of Social Research, University of Salford.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Authors: Ray Fitzpatrick, Stanton Newman, Tracey Revenson, Suzanne Skevington, Gareth Williams
• Publisher: Routledge, 2005
• ISBN: 1134846134, 9781134846139
• Length: 256 pages
• Subjects: Health & Fitness / General; Medical / General; Medical / Health Care Delivery; Medical / Nursing / Gerontology; Medical / Rheumatology