Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic disease of an
autoimmune nature. It primarly affects joints, but can also affect all organ systems. Disease
not only affects an individual physically, but can also has a significant impact on mental
health. Purpose: In this diploma work we wanted to present the characteristic of
rheumatoid arthritis, its impact on the mental health of the patient and ways of coping
psychologically with the disease. Methods: The descriptive method was used for the
elaboration of this diploma work. A systematic review of the domestic an foreign scientific
literature was carried out. Literature used in this diploma work was searched in PubMed,
CINAHL, Medline, DiKul and COBIB.SI databases. Results: The results of the studies
showed that the disease can have negative impact on a patient's mental health. Depression
and anxiety have been shown to be common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They
also describe techniques to help patients cope with the disease. Discussion and
conclusion: Research shows the importance of early diagnosis and eduaction of patients
about the disease itself, its treatment and ways of coping with its signs and symptoms.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are advised to cope positively with the disease. The most
important is that they learn about the disease and recognise it early. This helps to prevent
the pain and other clinical signs of illness that have a negative impact on the patient's
mental health.
|
