Psychological evaluation of well-being in the multidisciplinary assessment of osteoarthritis.

Relationships among psychological well-being, pain, and disability were investigated in 77 osteoarthritis patients who were followed up for 12 weeks by a multidisciplinary assessment and management team. The General Well-Being Schedule and six subscales were used to measure overall psychological well-being in this group of elderly patients (mean age, 69 years). Individuals with high levels of pain and disability at the initial and final visits had less psychological well-being, less control over emotions and behaviors, more concern about their health, and more depressive symptoms. Patients who were more disabled reported lower energy levels and more anxiety. Overall, the subset of osteoarthritis patients aged 65 to 74 years was similar in psychological well-being to the same age group in the general population.