How stress affects inflammation and treatment in rheumatoid arthritis

Neuroimaging Measures of Psychosocial Stress as Predictors of Articular and Arterial Inflammation, Cardiometabolic Disease, and Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10686151

This study is looking at how stress and feelings like anxiety and depression might affect the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and how well treatments work, so we can find better ways to help patients who are dealing with both RA and emotional challenges.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10686151 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between psychosocial stress and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It aims to understand how chronic stress, anxiety, and depression may influence the severity of RA symptoms and the effectiveness of treatments. By using neuroimaging techniques, the study will explore the connections between brain activity, inflammation in joints and arteries, and the body's response to immunomodulating therapies. The findings could help identify new ways to improve treatment outcomes for RA patients experiencing high levels of psychological distress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who also experience significant psychosocial stress or related psychological conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who do not experience psychological distress or those without a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis patients by addressing the impact of stress on inflammation and treatment response.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a connection between psychological distress and inflammation in chronic diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.