Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious chronic illness and a major cause of disability. Though research has focused on searching for possible causes of the disease, no cure has yet been found. Without an available cure, rheumatoid arthritis patients must learn to live and cope with the disease. New treatments and therapies are being developed to help control symptoms, reduce potential disability, and improve the circumstance of the rheumatoid arthritis patient.
Impact of RA on quality of life
"Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis", first published in 1996, examines the disease and its treatment. The 231-page book explores the experience of rheumatoid arthritis before diagnosis and after diagnosis, and considers day-to-day living with the disease which features pain and stiffness as its primary clinical symptoms. The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on quality of life is shown to be significant. Chapters are included which assess the importance of patient-physician relationships, social support, and family relationships. Psychological and social aspects of rheumatoid arthritis are emphasized.
Book enhances understanding of RA
The preface of "Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis" implies that the book is invaluable to all health professionals involved in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or interested in chronic illness. It is also said to be useful for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and their families. Though the book is packed with valuable information, it is not an "easy-read" and the style of writing is not conversational. Much of the information concentrates on research methods and results. Since much of the information is complicated, the book seemingly targets the health care professional more than the average rheumatoid arthritis patient, but there is no doubt that this book serves to enhance a complete understanding of the disease. Stanton Newman, lead author of the book, is Professor of Health Psychology at University College Medical School, University of London. His co-authors Fitzpatrick, Revenson, Skevington, and Williams are lecturers at various other universities.
