Greater satisfaction with physical abilities is also associated with less negative affect. We spend a great deal of time diagnosing and monitoring structural changes and problems brought about by rheumatic diseases, but relatively little time learning how our patients see themselves, the yardsticks they use, and the impact the disease has on their lives. Work characteristics profoundly alter the probability of remaining employed. Loss of employment is a major financial, social and emotional blow to many patients with rheumatic diseases. Persons with rheumatic diseases are forced to adapt to the environment, rather than creating environments that facilitate individuals with changing need.
Service workers are most vulnerable to job loss.
While OT and social workers have long recognized the importance of helping patients to actively adapt work environments, rarely is this type of help systematically integrated into routine care. Much can be done to improve mood and psychological health. Two important but separate components of mood are positive and negative affect. Positive affect is very different than not being depressed. Mood management skills can be taught to patients to increase positive mood.