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@article{197444,
        author = {Merlyn Angelina Kujur and Neethu Paul},
        title = {Symptom Burden in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Impact on Physical, Psychological, and Social Well-Being—A Narrative Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {6773-6778},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=197444},
        abstract = {Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by persistent synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and extra-articular symptoms. This disease imposes a heavy symptom burden, affecting patients' physical function, psychological well-being, social participation, and overall quality of life. RA causes psychological distress and impaired health status, leading to depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. It is also linked to comorbidities such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and gastrointestinal conditions, which increase morbidity and mortality. This narrative review examines the multidimensional symptom burden in RA. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted using relevant keywords. Key domains explored include pain, fatigue, disability, emotional distress, sleep disturbance, and systemic complications. Understanding the interplay between inflammation, symptom severity, and quality of life is essential for patient-centered care. A holistic, multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation, psychological support, and social interventions, is crucial to reduce symptom burden and improve outcomes in those with RA.},
        keywords = {chronic inflammation, fatigue, functional disability, quality of life, rheumatoid arthritis, symptom burden},
        month = {April},
        }