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- Weekly Spotlight - 12.12.24
Weekly Spotlight - 12.12.24
Managing Stress and Mental Health in Rheumatic Disease: A Supportive Guide
Liam Ball
December 12, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
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In the news
Stress exacerbates rheumatic diseases, impacting mental health and social life. Patients face challenges in work and social settings due to chronic pain and fatigue. To manage stress, consult rheumatologists, practice meditation, exercise, and join support groups. These strategies foster mental well-being and community support, enhancing daily life.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) are autoimmune diseases sharing genetic and inflammatory links. Managing both requires coordinated healthcare, focusing on reducing inflammation and controlling blood sugar. PatientsLikeMe offers community support, empowering individuals to manage these conditions effectively and live well despite the challenges.
New targeted drug therapies are now available to Isle of Man patients, following UK health guidelines. These treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, offer more options for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn Disease. Manx Care aims to enhance patient care by adopting cost-effective, NICE-recommended therapies.
Dr. Micaela F. Bayard discussed steroid management in rheumatoid arthritis at ACR Convergence 2024. The focus was on assessing steroid overuse and its impact on patients. Rheumatologists aim to balance treatment by targeting symptoms, flares, and remission, ensuring patient safety and effective care.
A year-long methotrexate course may prevent rheumatoid arthritis in high-risk, ACPA-negative patients with clinically suspect arthralgia. The TREAT EARLIER study shows significant reduction in RA development for this group, suggesting methotrexate as a potential preventative treatment. However, no effect was observed in ACPA-positive patients.
Health Spotlight’s Rheumatoid Arthritis is a Contentive publication in the Healthcare division