Psoriatic arthritis support group: How to find the right one Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe How to find a good psoriatic arthritis support groupMedically reviewed by Tiffany Taft, PsyD — By Sarah Charmley on May 23, 2022Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) support groups can help a person living with PsA feel understood. Support groups may allow people to develop coping strategies and improve their quality of life. PsA is a condition that affects the joints. About 30% of people with psoriasis have PsA, but it can sometimes develop without a person having skin-related symptoms. In people with PsA, the joints become inflamed and tender, which is known as a flare-up. Flare-ups can happen occasionally or frequently, and they may sometimes last a long time. Living with PsA can be challenging. PsA support groups can connect people with others who understand how they feel. This article outlines the role of PsA support groups and explains how to find the best one and how to get the most benefit from it. Living with PsA Share on PinterestJohner Images/Getty ImagesMost people with PsA develop psoriasis first, but PsA might also develop on its own. On average, people with both conditions develop PsA 7–10 years after presenting with psoriasis. PsA usually affects adults, but it can also appear in children. A 2015 study investigating the quality of life for people living with PsA found that it can be difficult for many individuals with the condition to work full-time without mitigations. The results also showed that people living with psoriasis have a higher likelihood of depression or anxiety than the general population. They might also experience sleep issues and live with higher levels of stress. Learn about the link between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Why seek support According to a 2018 study, other terms for support groups include:mutual-aid groupspeer-led support groupsself-help groupsmulti-family groupsfamily-led support groupsconsumer-led support groups Support groups may take place online or in person, and the facilitators may be healthcare professionals or peers. These groups aim to provide:hope and optimism for the futureemotional supportsupport for group membersknowledge from people with lived experience, especially in health challengesanonymity and round-the-clock support, if groups are online How to find support Most national health-based charities offer support groups, and there are regional support groups in some areas. People who benefit from asking questions and reading about other people’s experiences can join health forums online. However, those who find that visiting these forums makes them feel stressed or lowers their mood should avoid this option. Meeting regularly with a group is beneficial for some people, as they can interact socially with others who understand their condition. In particular, young people living with PsA may find it helpful to meet other young people experiencing the same issues. What to look for in a support group The best support groups are likely those that offer the following: regular meetingsmembers who feel empowered to take care of their health using the knowledge they acquirea focus on seeking solutions rather than focusing on problems or complaintslearning points, skills, tools, or different perspectives that can help members manage their condition bettera group facilitator who is contactable, helpful, and good at encouraging discussion and managing conflict A person might find it helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask a group facilitator before joining the group. Possible questions to ask include:How big is the group, and are they taking new members?What criteria must a person meet to attend?What are the time, frequency, structure, and duration of the meetings?What qualifications does the facilitator have?How does the facilitator protect the confidentiality of members?What are some examples of meeting topics? Is the group faith-based or nonreligious? How to get the most from a support group A person can take certain steps to get the most out of a support group for PsA. These include: checking that the group meets their needs before joining itattending meetings regularlycontributing to meetings, although just observing is fine during the first couple of sessionsbeing respectful toward other group memberstrying different groups to find the one that best suits their situationletting the leader know if a person or situation makes them feel uncomfortable Where to find support groups The Arthritis Foundation offers Live Yes! Connect Groups, which connect people living with arthritis. The organization runs events, including Walk for Arthritis, and connects people through in-person and online peer groups. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) can match people one-to-one with peers who have similar experiences. It operates in seven regions, holding conferences and fundraising events. In addition, it has a webpage called Our Spot that addresses the specific needs of people under the age of 18 years and their family members or caregivers. The NPF also offers Kopa, where people living with PsA can access online forums. A person may also find online support through social media groups. However, they should ensure that group rules are in place and that the group is well-moderated. Outlook A person living with PsA may find that support groups are helpful and improve how they cope with their condition. By connecting with others, a person can learn more about PsA and the services available to them. This knowledge can give a person more control over their situation and help them develop self-management skills. Living with PsA can feel isolating for some people. Building a support network that includes others in the same situation may reduce such feelings of isolation and promote positivity. Summary PsA is a lifelong condition that can affect people’s quality of life. Finding a social support group may empower a person to manage their condition more effectively and allow them to feel understood. The Arthritis Foundation and NPF can connect an individual with other people living with PsA, either in person or online. Caregivers and family members may also find support groups helpful. Caring for someone with a chronic condition can be challenging, and groups can allow people to share information and experiences and support each other. Last medically reviewed on May 23, 2022Mental HealthPsoriatic ArthritisRheumatologyMedically reviewed by Tiffany Taft, PsyD — By Sarah Charmley on May 23, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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