Understanding the challenge

Digging deeper into the reasons why patients hide their symptoms

There are many reasons why patients living with PsA and axSpA may not reveal the true impact the condition is having on their daily lives. Exploring and understanding these reasons is an important first step in finding potential solutions.

Accepting disease activity as ‘normal’

Many patients normalise their disease activity, learning to ‘cope’ with a certain level of pain and discomfort, even when it makes everyday activities a challenge.1

I have accepted that it will never go away. I have learned to live and deal with the pain.”

—Patient living with PsA

Fear of losing progress

Some patients may be settling for sub-optimal outcomes for fear of treatment failure, inferior efficacy or exhausting all their treatment options.2

Nobody can say if I will improve or deteriorate. So I would like to keep the treatment I have because the next one might not be great.”

—Patient living with axSpA

Disease complexity and patient empowerment

For many patients, the complexity and unpredictability of living with PsA and axSpA can be overwhelming.3,4 As a result, they may not feel empowered in their care, or able to share challenges or treatment goals with their rheumatologist.

You can’t see the pain — it’s not tangible. Sometimes I think I am only imagining the pain or that I am too sensitive.”

—Patient living with axSpA

The long road to diagnosis

Patients with PsA and axSpA have often waited several years for their diagnosis. Misdiagnosis is common, with many patients experiencing a ‘trial and error’ approach to their treatment, which includes cycling through multiple failing options.5

I felt like no one took me seriously for 24 years. I was sent from one physician to another. I felt helpless.”

—Patient living with axSpA

Could asking one more question uncover the hidden challenges of PsA and axSpA?

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The reality of Life with PsA and axspa

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Uncover the hidden impact

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Ask one more question

Abbreviations

axSpA, axial spondyloarthritis; HCP, healthcare professional; PsA, psoriatic arthritis.

References

1. Chisholm A, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2016;55(6):1047–1052. 2. Coates LC, et al. Rheumatol Ther. 2021;8(4):1741–1758. 3. Garrido-Cumbrera M, et al. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2019;21:19. 4. Kavanaugh A, et al. Rheumatol Ther. 2016;3(1):91–102. 5. Lapane KL, et al. BMC Fam Pract. 2021;22:251.

GL-N-DA-RH-2200023

Date of preparation: May 2022

Intended for healthcare professionals