The experience of loneliness profoundly impacts overall well-being and self-management in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), according to a study in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.

“Overall, there is a critical need to address loneliness as an essential issue for people with IA, highlighting the necessity for increased support and recognition,” wrote Bente Appel Esbensen, PhD, and colleagues.

Periodic pain, fatigue, and joint or back stiffness can make it challenging for patients to take part in social activities and build connections with other people. Studies show that patients with IA report more loneliness than the general population and patients with other chronic conditions.

The researchers conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 14 patients aged 25 to 75 years who reported loneliness. Among them, five had rheumatoid arthritis, five had psoriatic arthritis, and four had axial spondylarthritis. A nurse experienced in caring for patients with mental health challenges conducted the interviews, which averaged about a half hour each.

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three themes from interviews: (1) loneliness amplifies the negative impact of arthritis; (2) patients feel forced to opt out of social activities; and (3) a longing for loneliness to be addressed by healthcare professionals.

“Irrespective of whether the experience of loneliness preceded the diagnosis of IA or not, participants described how loneliness made living with the arthritis diagnosis disheartening,” the researchers reported. “For some, loneliness and isolation were followed by a loss of meaning and direction, and they felt depressed about the way their lives had turned out.”

Pain and fatigue made socializing with other people difficult because patients lacked energy. They withdrew, sadly aware that the social withdrawal was hurting their psychological well-being, according to the study.

Patients also reported that during consultations with their rheumatologist or rheumatology nurse, the sole focus was on the clinical exam and test results.

“This frequently led them to perceive that their perspectives were overlooked, contributing to a prevailing emotional isolation and loneliness,” the researchers reported. “They expressed a desire to be recognized for more than their arthritis, aspiring to have their broader apprehensions acknowledged as well.”