All questions about Rheumatoid arthritis
Is it my fault, or theirs?
No. Nobody knows what sets RA off, and it isn't caused by anything you did.
Stress is sometimes mentioned as a possible trigger, but nothing has been conclusively identified. Blame doesn't help either of you; feeling doubted is linked to worse health.
Sources
- NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis, causes
- National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): What is RA?
- Kool et al.: Social support and invalidation by others contribute uniquely to the understanding of physical and mental health of patients with rheumatic diseases (Journal of Health Psychology)
- World Health Organization: Rheumatoid arthritis, fact sheet
- US National Institutes of Health (NIAMS): Rheumatoid arthritis
Reviewed 2026-11-09 · next review 2027-11-09