title: Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis: the patient's perspective.
abstract: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a potentially debilitating chronic condition that necessitates a biopsychosocial approach for successful long-term management. However, the psychosocial consequences of AS are not well understood. In this study patients (N = 68) reported impacts of AS across a wide range of life domains; negative impacts included physical effects of AS, changes in mood or personality, effects on social life and relationships with friends and family, low self-esteem, stigma and worry about the future; positive impacts included increased exercise, feelings of achievement and empathy, stronger relationships, slower pace of life and a more positive perspective. Implications for treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Kent, UK. K.E.Hamilton-West@kent.ac.uk
authors.forename: Kate E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Hamilton-West
authors.forename: Lyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Quine
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult