Living with a chronic illness affects much more than physical health. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can influence emotional well-being, self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. As a result, researchers have increasingly explored the role of psychotherapy in helping people cope with chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.
One notable study published in 2013 investigated whether Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy could improve outcomes for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.
What Is IFS Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. The model is based on the idea that the human mind is made up of different “parts,” each with its own thoughts, feelings, and protective roles. Some parts may carry emotional wounds, while others work to protect us from distress.
The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with these internal parts and access their core Self—a state characterized by calmness, compassion, confidence, and clarity.
The Purpose of the Study
In 2013, researchers led by Dr. Nancy A. Shadick conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an IFS-based psychotherapeutic intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The study included 79 adults diagnosed with RA. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- An IFS therapy group that received a structured nine-month intervention.
- A control group that received educational materials focused on managing rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers assessed both psychological and physical health outcomes throughout the study and during follow-up evaluations.
Key Findings
The results showed that participants who received IFS therapy experienced significant improvements in several important areas compared with the control group.
Patients in the IFS group reported:
- Reduced pain levels
- Improved physical functioning
- Lower symptoms of depression
- Greater self-compassion
- Enhanced emotional well-being
Perhaps most importantly, some of these benefits were still present one year after the therapy had ended, suggesting that the positive effects were not merely temporary.
What Did Not Change?
While the study demonstrated meaningful improvements in patients’ experiences of pain and psychological health, researchers did not find significant changes in objective measures of disease activity or inflammation.
This means that IFS therapy should not be viewed as a replacement for medical treatment. Instead, it may serve as a valuable complementary approach that helps patients manage the emotional and physical challenges associated with chronic illness.
Why Are These Findings Important?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition that affects both body and mind. Chronic pain can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, which in turn may worsen a person’s perception of pain and reduce quality of life.
The 2013 study provided early scientific evidence that addressing emotional processes through psychotherapy can positively influence how patients experience and cope with their illness. By helping individuals develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience, IFS therapy may support a more holistic approach to health and well-being.
Conclusion
The 2013 randomized controlled trial on Internal Family Systems therapy and rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated that IFS can be an effective complementary intervention for people living with chronic autoimmune disease. Although it did not reduce the underlying inflammatory process, it was associated with reduced pain, improved physical functioning, decreased depressive symptoms, and increased self-compassion.
These findings highlight the important connection between emotional health and physical well-being and suggest that psychotherapy may play a meaningful role in supporting individuals with chronic health conditions.
Reference
Shadick NA, Sowell NF, Frits ML, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internal Family Systems-Based Psychotherapeutic Intervention on Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Journal of Rheumatology, 2013. DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.121465.
