Inflammatory myopathy in adults, health-related quality of life, and wellbeing: a round trip between immune disease and wellness

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and wellbeing are poorer in patients with chronic conditions than in the general population, and this is the case of individuals with myositis. Research has shown a negative relationship between this disease and wellbeing, but there is little data on the effect that enhanced wellbeing has on the disease course. HRQoL, wellbeing, and other related concepts are examined here with special emphasis on the benefits of positive status in the physical, environmental, psychological, and social function areas for reducing the severity of the clinical course and organ damage in a chronic condition such as myositis. The factors affecting HRQoL, and wellbeing are analyzed to delineate specific strategies that will lead to improvements in the life of adult patients with myositis. The mechanisms implicated in these changes are also discussed. Myositis refers to a heterogeneous group of chronic systemic autoimmune diseases. HRQoL and wellbeing are poor in these patients, and evidence suggests that improvements in this line can have positive repercussions on the course and outcome of the disease. Strategies to improve HRQoL and wellbeing should be designed for adults with myositis.</p