Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Tai Chi Chih for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Rheumatoid Arthritis

In brief

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic illness. Patients with RA often experience significant pain and depression. This study will evaluate two programs designed to improve the symptoms of RA: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Tai Chi Chih (TCC), compared to a health education seminar.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00072657

Run by

University of California, Los Angeles

People needed

106

Starts

2004-02-01

Expected to finish

2009-03-01

Last updated by the study team

2013-04-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Diagnosis of RA as defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and consistent with revised criteria for RA
• Stable disease-modifying drug regimen for 3 months prior to study entry, with no change in drug dosage for at least 3 months prior to study entry
• Relatively stable disease course for 3 months prior to study entry
• If treated with corticosteroids, must be on a stable dosage for 3 months prior to study entry
• If taking prednisone, must be on a dosage less than or equal to 10 mg/day or equivalent
• Resides in Greater Los Angeles area

You may not qualify if…

• Inactive RA conditions defined as "in remission"
• Experiencing frequent, severe disease flares that require changes in primary disease-modifying regimen
• Serious medical conditions, including: diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure requiring specific treatment, cancer (unless cured for period of 5 years or more), unregulated endocrine disorders (including thyroid disorders), chronic uncontrolled infection, or any uncontrolled medical condition that may interfere with the study
• Use of analgesics (e.g., opioids) other than acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents prescribed for RA treatment, tramadol (Ultram) or Tylenol with codeine on an as-needed basis, or propoxyphen (Darvocet, Wygesic)
• Use of oxycodone (Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, or hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Use of high levels of methotrexate (greater than 7.5 mg)
• Use of nitrogen mustard, cyclosporine, monoclonal antibodies, or cyclophosphamide within the 6 months prior to study entry
• Serious psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or organic brain syndromes
• At risk for suicide
• Dependent on canes, walkers, or other assistive devices
• Unable to commit to study schedule/itinerary or unwilling to be assigned to any of the 3 treatment groups

Where it is running

• Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA — Los Angeles, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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