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Is lying a disease


Everything you need to know

Pathological liars tell compulsive lies without a clear motive. This type of lying is different than nonpathological lying, where the lie is often beneficial in some way.

Lying is a common feature of social interactions among humans. This behavior even occurs in some animals, such as monkeys.

Lies often lead to some benefit. For example, a person may lie to avoid social embarrassment. While some people lie more frequently than others, it is not typically a sign of a mental health condition.

Pathological lying is different. It may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as a personality disorder.

In this article, we discuss pathological lying in more detail, including how to recognize it and how to cope with this behavior in others.

Share on PinterestA pathological liar is someone who lies compulsively and without any clear benefit.

Lying refers to making a false statement to deceive others intentionally, often for some form of personal gain.

Nonpathological lying is commonplace and not a sign of any disorder. A person who pathologically lies will lie compulsively and without any clear benefit to themselves.

There have been some attempts to outline the differences between a pathological and a nonpathological lie, but more research is necessary to make appropriate distinctions.

A key feature of a pathological lie is that it has no obvious motivation. It is usually possible to determine why someone has told a lie — such as to benefit themselves or avoid an embarrassing or stressful social situation — but pathological lying occurs for no clear reason and does not seem to benefit the individual.

It is unclear whether a person who pathologically lies is aware of their deceit or is capable of thinking rationally about their lies.

Pathological lying can make socializing difficult and lead to significant interpersonal problems with loved ones and colleagues.

There has been little research in this area, and the causes of pathological lying are unknown.

It is unclear whether pathological lying is a symptom of another condition or a condition itself.

For instance, compulsive lying is a feature of several other conditions, such as factitious disorder and personality disorders.

Factitious disorder

Factitious disorder — sometimes called Munchausen’s syndrome — is a condition in which a person acts as though they are physically or mentally ill when they are not.

Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy is when someone lies about another person having an illness. This condition is most common in mothers, who feign illness in their child and lie to a doctor about it.

The causes of factitious disorder are unknown. Theories include:

  • biological or genetic causes
  • childhood abuse or neglect
  • low self-esteem
  • the presence of a personality disorder
  • substance abuse
  • depression

Personality disorders

Pathological lying is a possible symptom of certain personality disorders, including:

  • borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
  • antisocial personality disorder (APD)

BPD is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to regulate their emotions. People with BPD may experience severe mood swings, feel greater instability and insecurity, and not have a stable sense of self.

The hallmarks of NPD are fantasies of immense importance and the need for admiration and special treatment.

Researchers argue that while pathological lying may, in theory, occur in people with APD, those with this condition often lie for personal gain or pleasure.

A person with BPD or NPD may lie to distort reality into something that fits with the emotions that they are feeling, rather than the facts.

These personality disorders can lead to significant challenges with interpersonal relationships.

Frontotemporal dementia

A case study of one person showing signs of pathological lying found that their behavior patterns were similar to those that can occur with frontotemporal dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia is a form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal brain regions and causes changes in behavior and language.

These changes can include:

  • inappropriate social behavior
  • lack of empathy
  • loss of insight into the behavior of others and oneself
  • changes in food preferences
  • compulsive behavior
  • boredom
  • agitation

Share on PinterestPathological lies often differ from ordinary lies in that they are easy for others to verify as incorrect.

Pathological lies are compulsive and may start small. The lies can gradually become more elaborate and dramatic, particularly if they are necessary to cover up for an earlier lie. They often become complicated by unnecessary amounts of detail.

People who lie frequently are not necessarily pathological liars. The most distinguishing feature of a pathological lie is that it does not have a motive.

Therefore, a person who frequently exaggerates stories to make themselves appear more interesting or consistently lies to cover up mistakes that they have made is unlikely to be pathologically lying. These are clear motives that advance particular interests.

Pathological lies are easy for others to verify, which can ultimately be harmful to the person who tells them. For example, the individual may make false accusations or grandiose claims about their past that are simple for others to check.

Pathological lying is not a formal diagnosis, but a doctor or therapist may recognize the behavior as a sign of another underlying condition, such as a personality disorder or factitious disorder.

These disorders include overlapping symptoms, including compulsive lying. People with these conditions also display other signs.

It is possible for pathological lying to be an independent symptom, as some people engage in pathological lying without having any underlying medical condition.

It can be challenging for a doctor to determine whether someone is engaging in pathological lying because there are no psychological or biological tests for it.

To diagnose most mental health conditions, a doctor will use a clinical interview. If the person is not honest about their lying, it could be necessary for the doctor to talk with family members or friends to help identify patterns of pathological lying.

Coping with someone who lies pathologically can be challenging. Forming and maintaining a trusting relationship with this person can take time and patience.

It is important to remember that the person may not intend to cause harm or benefit from these lies. Pathological lying can be a compulsion, and it often leads to negative consequences for the person telling the lies. Therefore, try to avoid responding angrily or blaming them for the lies.

It is also helpful to be aware that pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Talking to the person about whether they have any other symptoms can help them identify the problem and seek help from a doctor or therapist.

Share on PinterestIf a doctor suspects pathological lying is part of an underlying personality disorder, they may suggest psychotherapy.

As pathological lying is not a recognized condition, there are no formal treatments for it.

If a doctor suspects that an underlying condition is causing the lying, they may suggest treatment for that condition.

For example, treatment for personality disorders usually involves psychotherapy or medication.

As pathological lying can be harmful to others, a doctor may also suggest therapy for those close to the individual. A therapist will work with them to help them manage their responses to the problem.

Pathological lying is when a person compulsively lies without a clear motive for doing so. The lies may become elaborate and detailed, but they are often easy to verify.

Pathological lies do not lead to any lasting benefit for the person who tells them, and they can be harmful to others.

It is vital to remember that the lying is a compulsion and that a person who pathologically lies does not intend to harm others or better themselves.

As pathological lying is not a recognized condition, there are no formal treatments for it. However, pathological lying may be a sign of an underlying condition that a doctor can help with, such as a personality disorder.

10 Pathological Liar Signs and How to Cope

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Most of us lie once in a while. We’ve all told a white lie to protect someone’s feelings, or stretched the truth a little to avoid a conflict or get out of something we don’t want to do. Lying isn’t ideal in any situation. But when it becomes a habit, and other pathological liar signs are also present, a mental health issue may be causing the behavior. 

A pathological liar not only lies frequently, but may feel a compulsion to do so. Pathological liars can’t stop lying even when it causes psychological distress, puts them in danger, and creates problems with relationships, work, or other aspects of daily life. Furthermore, pathological lying tends to start early—in adolescence and young adulthood.

What Is a Pathological Liar?

Being a pathological liar is not in itself a mental health diagnosis. It is not included in the DSM-5, which lists mental health disorders. However, it is an established concept in psychology. Pathological lying is related to disordered thinking patterns and beliefs. The word pathological indicates that there is an underlying pathology, or illness. Hence, pathological liar signs are associated with various underlying mental health conditions.

Pathological lying was first identified in 1891 by psychiatrist Anton Delbrück. He gave it the Latin name pseudologia fantastica (sometimes spelled phantastica). Pathological lying is also known as mythomania and morbid lying. The original definition was “falsification entirely disproportionate to any discernible end in view, [which] may be extensive and very complicated, manifesting over a period of years or even a lifetime.”

Contemporary researchers have modified that definition. A 2020 study defined pathological lying as “a persistent, pervasive, and often compulsive pattern of excessive lying behavior that leads to clinically significant impairment of functioning in social, occupational, or other areas; causes marked distress; poses a risk to the self or others; and occurs for longer than six months. ” The same study found that between 8 and 13 percent of people identify themselves as pathological liars, or say that other identify them that way.

Know the Facts

Pathological lying is defined by some experts as lying five or more times daily, every day, for longer than six months.

10 Pathological Liar Signs

How do you recognize a pathological liar? Consistent lying and making up stories are the primary signs of pathological lying. Typical pathological liar signs in young adults include:

  1. Embellishing lies with extensive details 
  2. Telling dramatic and highly unlikely stories
  3. Appearing anxious while talking
  4. Getting defensive when confronted about a lie
  5. Constantly changing their story or being vague when questioned 
  6. Lying about something even when there’s no reason to 
  7. Seeming unconcerned with being caught in a lie
  8. Feeling a “high” when they get away with lying
  9. Passing off a story someone else told as their own
  10. Acting in ways that don’t match their words

Pathological liars may lie for a specific reason, or their lying may be more random. And pathological lying is not defined just by the frequency of lies. The distress and danger that lying causes is also significant. For example, a pathological liar may lie about their suicidal tendencies in a therapy session, putting themselves in danger. 

How Do You Know If Someone Is a Pathological Liar?

Researchers have developed a specific pathological liar test known as the Survey of Pathological Lying behaviors (SPL). The SPL is a nine‐item questionnaire about lying behavior in which respondents can answer on a scale of 1 to 7 (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree). Of course, there is always the possibility that a pathological liar will answer untruthfully.

In addition, the lie detector test known as a polygraph can be helpful in identifying pathological liar signs. With pathological lying, the polygraph is used not to detect lies, but rather to reveal whether a person is good at “fooling” the polygraph. If they are telling lies but the polygraph doesn’t record them as such, this can be a sign that the person has become highly skilled at lying. Or they may think they are telling the truth. 

Do pathological liars believe their own lies? According to mental health experts, many pathological and compulsive liars do believe the stories they’re telling. They may have repeated their lies so often that they start to feel true. Pathological liars often live in a fantasy world they’ve constructed, in which their “truth” becomes reality. 

Know the Facts

Pathological liar signs typically begin between ages 10 and 20, according to a study published in Psychiatric Research & Clinical Practice.

Pathological Lying vs. Other Types of Lying

Not all lying is considered pathological. There are different types of lying with symptoms that are similar to pathological liar signs. Other types of liars include: 

  • White liar: tells untruths to protect others’ feelings
  • Occasional liar: lies at times to try to make themselves look good or to get their needs met
  • Habitual liar: has fallen into a habit of lying because it feels easier or more convenient than telling the truth
  • Compulsive liar: feels a “high” when they get away with lying, similar to other compulsions or addictions
  • Prolific liar: lies frequently but do not experience as much distress about lying or perceive as much danger as pathological liars

Whether or not lying behaviors are classified as pathological, it’s clear that mental health issues are part of the equation when a person consistently fails to tell the truth and doesn’t feel safe to be their true self. Moreover, pathological lying may also be related to brain function. Imaging research has shown that the brains of pathological liars look different from other people’s brains.  

How Pathological Lying Impacts Relationships

Understandably, pathological liars typically have significant problems with relationships, both friendships and romantic partnerships. Early in a relationship, those on the receiving end of pathological lying usually have a gut feeling that something isn’t right. Over time, being consistently lied to creates feelings of frustration, anger, hurt, and confusion. 

Building trust with a pathological liar is difficult if not impossible. It can feel like being gaslit—you’re constantly questioning yourself and the other person about what’s real. Pathological or compulsive lying can also be part of an abusive relationship pattern. 

The area of greatest impairment in functioning for those in the PL group was in social relationships. This finding was not surprising, because deception often damages trust, especially when used to conceal a transgression.

Drew Curtis, PhD, and Christian Hart, PhD
Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice journal

Why Do Pathological Liars Lie?

Pathological lying in young adults is associated with a variety of mental health disorders and underlying issues. 

Lying as a compulsion or habit

Lying can become a compulsion similar to the compulsions felt by people with obsessive compulsive disorder. A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the more a person lies, the easier it becomes to keep lying. Moreover, the study described lying as a “slippery slope” in which smaller lies escalate into bigger ones.

Personality disorders and pathological lying

Pathological lying or lying compulsively can also be a symptom of antisocial personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder. People with these personality disorders may lie to gain sympathy or social status, or to preserve a false sense of self. Pathological liar signs can also be symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). With BPD, lying is often a way to avoid rejection or abandonment. 

Lies associated with Munchausen syndrome 

People with the mental health disorder known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy may lie frequently. This type of pathological lying is for a specific purpose connected with their disorder. With Munchausen syndrome, people lie about being sick themselves or about someone they care for (a child or patient) being sick.  

Childhood trauma as a cause of pathological lying

In some cases, pathological lying can be a result of childhood trauma, such as neglect or abuse. People who did not get their needs met as children may begin lying as a coping mechanism, in an attempt to get the love and reassurance they crave. Or they may internalize the message early on that they are not good enough as they are. So they lie to hide what they see as unforgiveable personal flaws that make them unworthy of others’ love. 

The Dos and Don’ts of How to Deal with a Pathological Liar

If you know someone who repeatedly lies, here are a few approaches for coping with this problematic behavior.

  • Don’t expect them to admit to a lie, even if you can prove they’re lying. Pathological liars will stick to their story even when it’s obvious to everyone else that they are lying.
  • Don’t take it personally—remember the behavior isn’t about you. A pathological liar is unable to control their lying due to the underlying mental health disorder. 
  • Don’t consider eye contact as a sign someone is telling the truth; pathological liars may believe what they’re saying or be so used to lying that they can easily maintain eye contact while telling an untruth. 
  • Don’t lose your temper. Attaching the person will only cause them to become more defensive and may even trigger more lying behavior.  
  • Do trust yourself and your reality, and check in with others to confirm your truth if you need to.
  • Do pay attention to the person’s actions to get a picture of who they are, rather than listening to their words. Their body language can also reveal the truth more than what they say.
  • Do set boundaries around what you are willing to tolerate in the relationship. You may need to step back from the relationship entirely if the lying continues and the person is not willing to try to change. 
  • Do encourage them to try therapy in order to learn more about themselves and why they feel driven to lie. Consider therapy for yourself as well, to learn how to set healthy boundaries and stay grounded in your own truth. 

Treatment for the Root Causes of Pathological Lying

To truly change pathological lying behavior, it’s essential to address the underlying mental health issues catalyzing the lies. Through therapy, people can become more aware of their lying patterns and the reasons they lie. Therapy can help them build the motivation to change and practice new, healthier ways of communicating their needs and emotions. 

At Newport Institute, we guide young adults to uncover childhood trauma that may be impacting their behavior. Young people learn to replace unhealthy coping mechanisms like lying, substance abuse, and self-harm with new skills for self-regulation and self-expression. Within a supportive environment that values honesty and openness, our clients build authentic connections with themselves and with peers and mentors.

Are you or a loved one struggling with self-destructive behaviors? Are you a parent or partner of someone who is displaying pathological liar signs? Contact us today to find out about our specialized model of care and how we help emerging adults get started on the path to long-term, sustainable healing. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pathological Lying


How can you tell if someone is a pathological liar?

Five pathological liar signs are making up dramatic and fantastical stories; constantly changing their story or being vague when questioned; telling lies even when there’s no reason to; passing off a story someone else told as their own; and getting defensive when confronted about a lie.

What are 5 signs that someone is lying?

In general, feeling overwhelmed indicates that a person’s resources or resilience are not equal to the stressors they are experiencing. Lifestyle changes, self-care exercises, and support from a mental health professional can help build resilience and give you more tools for dealing with overwhelm. 

What mental illness causes pathological lying?

Pathological liar signs can be symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

What is the difference between a compulsive liar and a pathological liar?

One difference is that compulsive liars have no particular reason for their lying, while pathological lying is less random. 

What drives a pathological liar?

Overwhelm is not a form of anxiety. But frequent feelings of overwhelm can be a symptom of an anxiety Underlying mental health issues such as personality disorders, other mental disorders, and childhood trauma can catalyze pathological lying. They use lying as a miguided way to get the social status, acceptance, or sympathy they crave.

Sources

Int J Ment Health Addiction. 2022: doi.org/10.1007.

Comp Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2021; 8: 100091.

 JBI Evidence Synthesis. 2019 Sept; 17(9): 1855–1876.

 Trends Neuroscience Education. 2019 Jun; 15: 29–37.

 Neurol Sci. 2017 Mar; 38(3): 451–458.

 Psychol Science. 1997: 8(3): 162–166.

 

Co-Occurring Disorders / November 14, 2022

Urolithiasis - symptoms, signs, treatment of urinary stone disease in men and women ureters and urethra.

Most often, urolithiasis is formed in one kidney.

Urolithiasis is asymptomatic, which is a danger to every person. The risk group includes men and women of any age, but a special place is given to the elderly. Urolithiasis in them appears due to age-related features, when calcium in the body does not settle with the same frequency in bone tissue, but is contained in the blood, which provokes the formation of stones. Urolithiasis is manifested by a clear attack of pain, which is difficult to stop, therefore, it is necessary to start treating KSD rather quickly. Urolithiasis is a common disease, so prevention in both men and women is required at any age.

Urolithiasis is the formation of stones from the salt compounds of the urine. The disease can occur due to several reasons:

  • a physically inactive lifestyle that contributes to stagnation of urine and blood, due to which urolithiasis develops in the kidneys;
  • violation of the gastrointestinal tract, which is caused by malnutrition. Urolithiasis appears in people who eat a large amount of meat products, cheese and alcohol;
  • eating a large amount of calcium-containing foods, which cause the growth of kidney stones. Particular attention should be paid to the water consumed, which may contain a high content of minerals, salts and metals, which are the risk of a diagnosis of "urolithiasis";
  • vitamin D deficiency;
  • changes in the water-salt balance in the body, especially due to food poisoning;
  • anomalies in the development of the excretory system, which initially are the risk of a diagnosis of "urolithiasis";
  • internal inflammatory diseases that disrupt the body's filtration.

The main factor contributing to the occurrence of urolithiasis is a violation of the metabolic process of minerals and an excess of calcium salts. Urolithiasis manifests itself most often in patients with thyroid diseases, accompanied by hormonal imbalances, as well as in the elderly.

How urolithiasis is formed


Urolithiasis begins with the formation of crystals from the salts and minerals contained in the urine. Crystallization occurs rhythmically, accompanied by certain factors that cause an excess of these substances. Urolithiasis occurs under the influence of provocative physical exertion, the use of alcohol-containing drinks, as well as the intake of foods high in calcium salts. Urolithiasis is often the result of a malfunction of the excretory system, which contributes to the growth of these crystals that form stones.

Urolithiasis also occurs due to physical effects in the form of urinary retention or incomplete emptying of the bladder. Urolithiasis is formed due to calcium salts contained in the urine, which can accumulate in crystals or grow on existing ones, as well as settle on the walls of the kidney or bladder.

Crystals (stones) form initially in the kidneys or bladder and can then be carried in the urine to the ureters and urethra, causing severe pain in patients. Urolithiasis is diagnosed by a combination of certain methods, so it is important to consult your doctor for any pain in the kidneys and groin.

Symptoms of urolithiasis

Symptoms do not differ among men and women, but the pain syndrome depends on the course of the disease. Urolithiasis can manifest itself in completely different ways depending on the size of the crystals (stones), on their location and size. Urolithiasis is especially symptomatic when the stones move, causing poorly suppressed renal colic.

SIGNS OF ICD

  • severe pain that has a dull aching character. Urolithiasis in the ureter causes cramping pain, and there may also be an admixture of blood in the urine.
  • urination disorder. Urolithiasis in the bladder is accompanied by frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by acute pain. When stones get into the urethra and its overlap, a complete absence of urination is possible.

Urolithiasis has one symptom - acute pain syndrome. The pain spreads to the lumbar region and groin. The patient's condition sometimes becomes anxious and restless. Urolithiasis due to severe pain can even cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes causing nausea or vomiting.

In some cases, urolithiasis can cause pain of such intensity that the patient loses consciousness, in which case medical attention should be sought immediately.

Why urolithiasis is dangerous

Urolithiasis can also be complicated by the accompanying inflammatory process. Urolithiasis is complicated by the occurrence of pyelonephritis, which in an acute course can develop into a chronic form. Urolithiasis in combination with pyelonephritis causes dangerous consequences in the form of bacterial shock, which is difficult to treat.

Urolithiasis is dangerous due to the absence of symptoms during the formation of stones, so it is important to monitor any pain syndromes, do not drink alcohol, and exclude strong and sudden physical exertion. Urolithiasis is very insidious - the formation of stones occurs for a long time, without any signs of the disease.

Diagnosis of urolithiasis

Urolithiasis is diagnosed by a set of specific methods based on the patient's condition and complaints. The diagnosis of "Urolithiasis" is established exclusively by a nephrologist or urologist, but other doctors can also suspect KSD based on the anamnesis.

Since the acute detection of symptoms does not allow a long and thorough examination, doctors have adopted a number of diagnostic methods that help to accurately diagnose "Urolithiasis".

Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology named after N.A. Lopatkin's urolithiasis is diagnosed using modern methods, such as:

  • laboratory tests of blood and urine to detect infection, inflammation and the level of trace elements;
  • ultrasound examination of internal organs to detect pathologies and anomalies, both in women and men, sometimes only this method of diagnosis can establish the diagnosis of "urolithiasis";
  • MRI with contrast to identify the pathological process, its location, and degree;
  • radionuclide studies to assess the work of the excretory system of the body, as an auxiliary method in determining the diagnosis of "urolithiasis".

Urolithiasis has a distribution according to the quality of the formed stones. So crystals are an accumulation of particles that do not have calcium. In such cases, urolithiasis is not visible on x-ray, and ultrasound is performed.

After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment. Urolithiasis responds well to treatment, the main thing is timely seeking qualified medical help.

Treatment of urolithiasis

Urolithiasis can be treated surgically and conservatively. Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology named after N.A. Lopatkin, the necessary treatment is carried out, taking into account the age of the patient, his condition and complications of the diagnosis of "urolithiasis".

One of the methods of treatment for the disease "Urolithiasis" is a procedure to remove stones from the urinary tract. With the help of wave therapy, salt deposits are crushed to a fine state (sand), which later comes out naturally. Urolithiasis is easily treatable, long-term rehabilitation is not required after interventions, and the patient can be discharged in a couple of days.

Urolithiasis requires an integrated approach to treatment. Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology named after N.A. Lopatkin successfully apply the most progressive methods of therapy. Among them:

  • Remote lithotripsy is an operation to remove stones from the urinary tract. During the operation without an incision, the stones are crushed by a shock wave to the state of sand. The smallest fragments are brought out in a natural way, and a patient with kidney stone disease returns to normal life after 2 days.
  • Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotripsy is an operation using a holmium laser designed to remove large and multiple stones. This method of treatment is well tolerated by patients diagnosed with urolithiasis and avoids complications.

Abdominal open operations for the treatment of the diagnosis "Urolithiasis" are not performed due to trauma and long-term rehabilitation.

Urolithiasis can also be treated conservatively. One of the methods is the administration of therapeutic drugs to reduce pain, antibiotic therapy, diuretics. In some cases, urolithiasis requires auxiliary assistance with drugs.

Urolithiasis also requires prevention. It includes the appointment of a special diet, which consists in the correct intake of foods with the exclusion from the diet of fried, salty, sweet and smoked.

In exceptional cases, medications containing citrates are prescribed to destroy stones without external influence, since urolithiasis is exposed to chemical effects inside the body. To achieve the desired effect, a plentiful drinking regimen is required.

Urolithiasis requires constant prevention, which consists in proper nutrition and an active lifestyle. ICD can overtake a person at any time, especially after hard work or exhausting work. Therefore, urolithiasis should be excluded by any doctor to whom you turned for help. Timely diagnosis will avoid complications, since urolithiasis is treated in some cases with the help of medications.

To resolve the issue of the possibility of treatment for the removal of stones, you need to get a consultation at the Consulting and Diagnostic Center of the Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology named after N.A. Lopatkin! After the consultation, it will be necessary to undergo an examination or pre-examination, after which an interdisciplinary consultation of doctors will be held, at which a decision will be made on the chosen method of treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis | Clinical Rheumatology Hospital №25

Rheumatoid arthritis | Clinical Rheumatology Hospital №25

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis. The impetus for the development of this disease may be one of the following factors or a combination of them:

  • genetic predisposition - the risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis is increased by about 4 times in blood relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the impaired response of the immune system to the action of infectious and other agents, during which arthritis develops.
  • infectious agents - several infectious agents have been identified that can trigger the development of rheumatoid arthritis (rubella, herpes, Epstein-Barr viruses, retroviruses, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma, etc.). However, none can be the only cause of rheumatoid arthritis. They are only the trigger mechanism of the pathological process.
  • psycho-emotional stress and excessive physical activity - childbirth or abortion, trouble in the family or social sphere, the impact on the body of chemical, radiation, toxic factors - also provoke the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

How does rheumatoid arthritis manifest itself? How to recognize rheumatoid arthritis? What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

The main clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • morning stiffness - a feeling of stiffness in the affected joints, requiring their "development" especially in the morning. With multiple lesions of the joints, this can lead during the period of exacerbation to complete immobility of the patient, usually increasing from the middle of the night and reaching its peak by the patient's awakening in the morning. Often the severity of morning stiffness corresponds to the level of activity of the inflammatory process. But in a small number of patients it may be mild.
  • pain and deformity of the joints, swelling and limited range of motion in the affected joints - are intermittent and depend on the severity of inflammation and are especially disturbing during exercise. However, with the development of pronounced destruction of the joints and the formation of contractures, restrictions on movements are already permanent. A feature of rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetrical lesion of the joints (for example, small joints of both hands).
  • temperature, weight loss, general weakness - may appear at the onset of the disease even before the development of typical changes in the joints and increase with an exacerbation of the disease.

DEVELOPMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS is based on autoimmune inflammation, as a result of which the immune system, due to a violation of its functions, instead of “attacking” the enemies of the body (microbes, viruses, tumor cells), begins to “attack” its own cells. An immune response is formed, leading to damage to one's own tissues or organs. The cells of the immune system produce specific proteins - various antibodies against the body's own cells - autoantibodies. Some of them are called rheumatoid factor (RF) and are regularly evaluated in your blood when taking tests, not only during the diagnosis, but also during treatment. The level of rheumatoid factor characterizes the activity of the disease and helps to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. In rheumatoid arthritis, the tissues of the joints are primarily affected. For many people, the initial symptoms of arthritis are very vague and include weakness, muscle pain, and a low temperature.

CHANGES IN THE JOINTS in rheumatoid arthritis are the result of several processes:

1. The chronic inflammatory process leads to progressive destruction of cartilage and bones. The main destruction of joint structures in rheumatoid arthritis is caused by pannus, an aggressive tissue that begins to grow under the influence of factors produced by the immune system in the joint cavity. The mechanism of destruction is associated both with the mechanical pressure of the growing pannus, and with the formation of a large number of various aggressive enzymes that "corrode" the tissues of the joint. And in the adjacent bone tissue, these same processes cause rarefaction - "periarticular osteoporosis".

2. Under the influence of a large number of different substances that are produced by the cells of the immune system and are formed as a result of the destruction of joint tissues, nearby soft tissues begin to change. There is a gradual atrophy of the muscles, contractures are formed.

All this leads to those external deformations of the joints, which are a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis. With no other disease, the joints do not change so much. This is especially significant in the small joints of the hands and feet.

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