RAMP
The RAMP study looks at the effect of mood disorder on pain perception in patients with controlled rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
About This Study
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune disorders and is characterized by chronic joint inflammation and extra-articular involvement. The risk of developing RA peaks between the ages of 65 and 80. With a lifetime risk of 3.6%, women are more than twice as likely to develop RA than men. The most common physical symptoms of RA are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; these typically begin gradually but can become intense.
Researchers and clinicians are keenly interested in the effect of RA on mental health and vice versa. Many patients with RA also experience depression and/or anxiety, and RA symptoms including pain, fatigue, and physical disability can be major stressors that further contribute to psychological strain. This trend is bidirectional: increased depression and anxiety in RA patients are associated with worsening disability, fatigue, pain, and overall quality of life. This relationship between RA symptoms and mental health conditions can become a vicious cycle, making treatment for both conditions much more difficult.
Through the RAMP study, investigators will:
- Assess the effect of mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) on RA disease activity and pain
- Test whether treatment of mood disorders changes RA activity and associated pain
To be included in RAMP, participants must be / have
- Adult (at least 18 years of age)
- Confirmed and established RA (that is, diagnosed for at least 6 months)
- RA in remission (that is, no steroid therapy) for at least 6 months
- Chronic pain unrelated to RA (according to provider)
- Diagnosis of depression or anxiety
To be included in RAMP, participants must not be / have
- Younger than 18 years of age
- Inflammatory condition other than RA
- Mental health problems other than depression or anxiety
- Pregnant
Keywords
Anxiety; arthritis; depression; mood disorder; pain; rheumatoid arthritis
For More About This Study or To Ask About Participation
Additional Information
Lead scientists at Carilion Clinic
Adegbenga A. Bankole, MD, has practiced rheumatology for more than 15 years. He specializes in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) but has clinical expertise in myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and gout. Dr. Bankole currently serves as Section Chief of Rheumatology; holds an academic appointment as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine; and is the Program Director for the Rheumatology Fellowship program. Dr. Bankole gets immense joy and satisfaction in helping patients improve the quality of their life by taking part in the management of their health care.
Dr. Kablinger has conducted over 160 trials as PI or sub-investigator for industry, academic centers and NIMH. Areas of research and clinical responsibilities have been in the areas of psychosis, mood disorders and substance abuse. She has been a Psychiatry Program Director for 15 years, mentoring undergraduate students, graduate level residents and junior faculty in patient care, education, and research. As Professor and Director of Clinical Trials Research in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, she now devotes her academic role in expanding, mentoring and teaching clinical research within Carilion Clinic, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. Her clinical expertise lies in treatment-resistant mood disorders and consultations for medication regimens.
Official title of study
The Impact of Mood Disorder on Pain Perception in Controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funding mechanism
Investigator initiated
IRB approval number and responsible organization
IRB-23-1832 Carilion Clinic
