For rheumatoid arthritis sufferers whose painful illness prompts depression, relief may come from the practice of an age-old technique already embraced by millions around the world: meditation. The Arthritis Foundation has said that several so-called "mind-body practices" may help arthritis patients alleviate stress, pain, anxiety and depression.

The concept of the study was to have patients emphasize on the "here and now" to value the calmness, clarity and well-being of oneself. This can have a positive impact on patients who deal with anxiety, chronic pain, and other symptoms and illnesses. It was the first-ever analysis of meditation and its impact on depression, general well-being, and disease progression among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

If someone is having stress and trouble with their arthritis, if you can somehow decrease the stress, you might be able to increase their function. So, for physicians and patients who wonder what they can do to improve well-being, beyond taking medications, this study offers evidence for a beneficial approach to dealing with thepsychological distress of Rheumatoid Arthritis.