A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internal Family Systems-based Psychotherapeutic Intervention on Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Summary & key facts

Researchers tested a talking-therapy program called Internal Family Systems, or IFS, with people who have rheumatoid arthritis. About 80 people were randomly put into either the IFS program or an education group. After the 9-month program, people in IFS reported less overall pain and better physical function. Some benefits lasted when checked again a year later, especially less joint pain, more self-compassion, and fewer depressive symptoms. The therapy did not change measured joint inflammation or anxiety, and the study was small, so larger trials are needed to know how well IFS really helps long term.

Key facts:

• About 80 people with rheumatoid arthritis took part. Roughly half were assigned to a 9-month IFS group and half got mailed education materials.
• About 80% of the people assigned to the IFS program finished the sessions, so the therapy was acceptable and people could stick with it.
• Right after the program ended, people in the IFS group reported less overall pain and better physical function than the education group.
• When researchers checked again one year later, IFS participants still reported less joint pain, higher self-compassion, and fewer depressive symptoms.
• The IFS program did not produce lasting improvements in anxiety, confidence in managing symptoms, or in the doctors' measures of joint inflammation.
• All participants kept getting their usual medical care from their rheumatologists during the study, so IFS was tested as an add-on to standard treatment.
• This was a small proof-of-concept trial. The authors say larger and longer studies are needed before we can be sure how much IFS helps people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

An IFS-based intervention is feasible and acceptable to patients with RA and may complement medical management of the disease. Future efficacy trials are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00869349.

Topics

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders Research Mental Health Treatment and Access Rheumatoid Arthritis Research and Therapies

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Rheumatology

Tags

Anxiety Beck Depression Inventory Depression (economics) Economics Internal medicine Macroeconomics Medicine Physical therapy Psychiatry Randomized controlled trial Rheumatoid arthritis Visual analogue scale

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Chronic Pain Depression Anxiety or worry Chronic pain Lack of energy or motivation Poor sleep Sadness or low mood