Article

PURPOSE : To examine psychological health status among patients with inflammatory
rheumatic diseases (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and
ankylosing spondylitis) and osteoarthritis in multidisciplinary rehabilitation,
and to describe changes in psychological distress, illness cognitions, and pain
coping from pre- to post-treatment. METHOD:
Eighty-nine patients referred to
multidisciplinary rehabilitation completed a set of questionnaires to assess pain
(AIMS2-SF), physical functioning (AIMS2-SF), psychological distress (IRGL),
illness cognitions (ICQ) and pain coping (PCI) at pre- and post-treatment.
Changes in physical functioning, pain, and psychological health status were
determined. On the basis of the cut-off scores of psychological distress,
distressed, and non-distressed patients were compared on physical and
psychological outcomes. RESULTS: Psychological distress was found in 64% of the
study sample. In addition, high levels of helplessness and worrying, low levels
of acceptance, and moderate levels of physical functioning were found. After
treatment, positive changes in pain, psychological distress, and illness
cognitions were observed. However, 69% (29/42) of the distressed patients at
baseline still experienced elevated levels of psychological distress and
maladaptive cognitions. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress and maladaptive
illness cognitions are important characteristics of this study sample, and
psychological distress remains high after rehabilitation. More attention should
be given to the appropriate assessment and treatment of psychological distress
within multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS