Epidemiological studies indicate that it reaches its peak incidence during the fourth and fifth decade of adult life. It is more prevalent in females than males. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, which primarily affects the joints, but it can also damage pulmonary, ocular and vascular structures. An interesting observation has been that during pregnancy, women who had RA experience a lessening of symptoms. The inflammation of the joints causes pain, swelling and stiffness.
Morning stiffness is the problem cited that most effects the quality of life for the individual.
Lambert et al showed that there is a correlation between the duration of morning stiffness and clinical measures of psychological well being and depression. The disease process can affect the joint and its function, causing severe impairment. An important factor that may explain the difference in disability in patients with similar disease activity and impairment is the patient s way of behavioral coping with the disease. Passive, avoidant, wish-fulfilling fantasy, depressive stance etc. are related to poorer psychological adjustments. On the other hand, active, information seeking, cognitive restructuring, rational thinking all seem to help patients to adapt psychologically to the physical and emotional stressors of the disease.