Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale (RASS), a self-assessment guide
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale (RASS), while often administered by healthcare professionals, can also be self-assessed with a set of targeted questions. The maximum cumulative score across Disease Activity, Functional Impairment, and Physical Damage is 300. Below is a self-assessment guide to help individuals gauge their own status:
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Disease Activity (Maximum Score: 100):
1. Joint Pain and Stiffness:
- Question: How intense and widespread is my joint pain? How long does morning stiffness persist?
- Self-Assessment: Rate the intensity on a scale of 1 to 10. Higher numbers indicating more severe pain and prolonged morning stiffness.
2. Fatigue Levels:
- Question: How fatigued do I feel on a regular basis?
- Self-Assessment: Rate your fatigue on a scale of 1 to 10. Higher numbers indicating more profound and persistent fatigue.
3. Impact on Daily Activities:
- Question: To what extent does RA impact my ability to perform daily activities?
- Self-Assessment: Rate the impact on a scale of 1 to 10. Higher numbers indicating more significant limitations.
Functional Impairment (Maximum Score: 100):
1. Independence in Daily Tasks:
- Question: How independently can I complete routine tasks, such as dressing, cooking, or bathing?
- Self-Assessment: Rate your independence on a scale of 1 to 10. Higher numbers indicating greater difficulty.
2. Employment and Hobbies:
- Question: How has RA affected my ability to work and engage in hobbies?
- Self-Assessment: Rate the impact on a scale of 1 to 10. Higher numbers indicating more significant limitations.
Physical Damage (Maximum Score: 100):
1. Joint Deformities and Erosion:
- Question: Have I noticed any changes in joint structure or experienced erosion, as indicated by imaging?
- Self-Assessment: Consider any visible changes and rate the severity on a scale of 1 to 10.
2. Functional Dependence:
- Question: To what extent am I dependent on assistance for daily activities due to physical damage?
- Self-Assessment: Rate your dependence on a scale of 1 to 10. Higher numbers indicating more significant dependence.
By honestly evaluating these aspects, individuals can gain insights into their RA severity across different domains. It’s important to share these self-assessments with healthcare professionals to inform collaborative decision-making for effective management.
Read each of the 6 Rheumatoid Arthritis Subtypes.
6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA): 2 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Rheumatoid Vasculitis (JRV): 3 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Palindromic Rheumatism: 4 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD): 5 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: 6 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
And the Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale
