Psychological therapies for osteoarthritis

Bannuru, 2019Kloppenburg, 2019Kroon, 2014Sakellariou, 2017

Patients with osteoarthritis who live with chronic pain, functional impairment and impaired quality of life are likely to experience a negative psychological impact. Psychological impairments may increase disability, affect adherence to self-management strategies and reinforce central sensitisation. Psychological therapies (eg cognitive behavioural therapy) may be useful to address psychological impairments and pain coping. Recent data also suggest a potential benefit from internet-delivered pain-coping programs.

For more information on psychological techniques for chronic pain, see Psychological techniques for managing pain. If present, treat specific psychological diagnoses (eg depression, anxiety).