While we tend to focus on the physical disruption Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) introduces, there are also the dangerous mental complications accompanying this condition. Allow me to walk you through some of the interesting – if not alarming – statistics:
- 33% of PsA patients have at least mild anxiety
- 20% of PsA patients have at least mild depression
- 14% of PsA patients have at least moderate depression
Now, if such complications are not handled promptly, Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can deteriorate dramatically. Patients struggling with depression and anxiety have reduced pain tolerance. These mental conditions can also make it harder for the patient to be consistent with their treatment regimen.
Can a therapist offer genuine succor?
Therapists can be of immense help in situations of sustained pain episodes accompanied by negative behavioral patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most prevalently adopted therapies in treating PsA. How?
In a CBT procedure, the practitioner picks out disruptive thought patterns, reconstructing them via coping strategies to better equip you in your recovery process from PSA.
Research so far has consolidated the long-term efficiency of CBT in improving depression and anxiety in people with chronic conditions like Psoriatic arthritis. Particular research some 21 years ago showed that participants (who had chronic conditions) enjoyed reasonable pain relief upon a CBT administration while improving their temperament and sleeping regimen.
There are cases where patients who had CBT recorded tangible improvements in their immune system function. A 2020 study found that the administration of CBT reduces the content of inflammatory markers. You will agree this is good news for people with conditions related to inflammation like PSA.
But of course, not just any therapist will get the job done. How about we explore what specific parameters to leverage when selecting the ideal therapist to consult if you have psoriatic arthritis?