ask: What is the psychological predisposition for rheumatoid arthritis

Hi Vicki - Good questions! The Greek word rheuma means "that which flows as a river or stream." Rheumatologists deal mainly with clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues and the allied conditions of connective tissues. Rheumatic diseases are considered autoimmune diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response.

Possible causes:

* Genetic factors—Certain genes that play a role in the immune system are associated with RA development.
* Defects in the immune system can cause ongoing inflammation.
* Environmental factors—Certain infectious agents, such as some viruses or bacteria, may increase susceptibility to RA.
* Other factors—Some evidence suggests that hormonal factors may promote RA development in combination with genetic factors and environmental exposure.

Some experts believe rheumatoid arthritis can have a genetic cause, a chemical cause, and a psychological cause. In general, in terms of a psychological cause, some believe repressed emotions may play a part and that treatment to resolve the respressed emotions will be helpful.

Here are a couple of sources for the additional information you're seeking.
1) This link will take you to a study of the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases which provides a good explanation: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/400833
2) You can do a more specific search of this database:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

Please let us know if this is helpful and if you have additional questions. Also, we have a lot of information on the site about RA that may help you in learning to live with this disease. Good luck to you, and take good care of yourself. Pat

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