AbstractsPsychology

Body image and anxiety as prognostic indicators in rheumatoid arthritis

by Bertha Lewitton




Institution: University of Johannesburg
Department:
Year: 2014
Keywords: Body image; Anxiety; Arthritis - Psychological aspects - Research - South Africa; Arthritis
Record ID: 1475032
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9902


Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis, lithe great crippler" 1 has now established itself firmly in the category 'psychosomatic disease' and a psychosomatic approach is used when considering the aetiology of the disease and often the therapy and prognosis of the patient as well. The rehabilitation of the afflicted patient is the central concern of medical and para-medical personnel engaged in rheumatology. The patient's motivation for rehabilitation is generally considered to be the single most important factor affecting the rehabilitation process. The task of assessing this motivation falls to the psychologist...