Paliatívna medicína a liečba bolesti 3/2012

Biopsychosocial treatment model of rheumatoid arthritis in algesiology

The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive and systematic perspective for understanding the person and the relationship of the system outside and inside the person that influences both health and illness. The biopsychosocial model has evolved from dissatisfaction with biomedical and psychosocial models of health and illness. All models we will illustrate with rheumatoid arthritis, serious chronic disease, where is in rise and maintainance strong evidence of pathopsysiological and psychosocial factors. Medical treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling, as well as physical therapy, exercise and psychotherapy. Psychosocial factors are in RA more strongly asso- -ciated with disability than is the disease process itself.

Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, biopsychosocial model.