What are some coping strategies that would be helpful in dealing ...

[Medesa]

What are some coping strategies that would be helpful in dealing with rheumatoid arthritis?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Does stress play a role in the development of lupus or its prognosis?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

As with the management of SLE, pharmacological approaches may include use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids. There is also a class of medications called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) that can be used to alter the course of the disease. Surgical approaches (e.g., joint surgery) may also be indicated. Behavioral approaches include stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and self-management approaches.

Answer to Question 2

As far back as the mid-1950s, Selwyn Brody concluded after studying 42 lupus patients that stress plays a part in the precipitation, recurrence, and exacerbation of the disease. However, more recently, after reviewing the SLE and stress studies done from 1990 to 2006, Bricou et al. surmised that stress as a causal factor is not proved, but it seems to act as an exacerbating factor in disease activity and to have an impact on the quality of life.