Description

Stress management is an important but often overlooked aspect of gout management. While the direct relationship between stress and gout is complex, stress can indirectly affect gout through various mechanisms. A review by Li et al. (2018) in Frontiers in Psychology discussed how chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may influence inflammation and potentially exacerbate gout symptoms. Another study by Abdulbari et al. (2015) found an association between stress levels and the frequency of gout attacks. The impact of stress on adherence to gout treatment was explored in a qualitative study by Liddle et al. (2015), which highlighted how stress could negatively affect patients' ability to manage their condition effectively. While there are limited large-scale studies specifically examining stress management interventions in gout, general stress reduction techniques have shown benefits in managing chronic diseases. A systematic review by Goyal et al. (2014) in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness meditation programs showed moderate evidence of improving anxiety and depression. The ACR guidelines (Khanna et al., 2012) do not specifically address stress management, but many rheumatologists recommend it as part of a comprehensive approach to gout management.