Perspectives on Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatic ConditionsPsoriatic Arthritis
Three psoriatic arthritis experts featured in a discussion panel, shown as headshots inside a filmstrip with colorful speech bubbles representing conversation and shared perspectives.

Perspectives on Psoriatic Arthritis

Image: Everyday Health
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Published on August 6, 2026
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Perspectives on Psoriatic Arthritis is an audio experience that highlights firsthand stories from people who have this condition. Listen as a group of people share how they’re navigating life with psoriatic arthritis.

Perspectives on PsA Treatment and Care

Finding the right treatment for psoriatic arthritis takes a lot of trial and error, with over 40 percent of people on treatment still reporting moderate-to-severe symptoms.

 What works for one person may not work for the next, and trying out different treatment options can become tiring. Complicating matters, once you find a treatment that works for you, barriers and mishaps can come up, preventing you from getting the medication on time. What’s more, specific treatments can work for a long time and then suddenly stop, requiring you to go back to the drawing board.

Instead of giving up, hear how these people stayed the course and worked to find the best treatment to fit their lifestyles.

Leni Cohen PSA patient.
Leni Cohen
Living with PsA
“The one thing that’s hardest [about biologics] is getting them, because there’s this huge chain of connections, and anywhere in that chain, something can go wrong.”
Transcript Available
jeanette psa.
Jeanette Gladstone
Living with PsA
“I'm too fatigued, I'm too tired. I'm too worn out ... so then I start thinking about 'Let's try again. Let’s try something new. Maybe there’s something new out there.’ ”
Transcript Available
Stephen Nothum patient PSA.
Stephen Nothum
Living with PsA
“When you have [treatment] trade-offs, you need to look at what your life looks like ... and then make a decision that makes the most sense for you.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on Daily PsA Management

Even when you’re on medication, psoriatic arthritis flares can pop up when you least expect them. Flares can bring a “flu-like” feeling and joint inflammation. Managing these symptoms involves listening to your body and finding a groove for motivation. Hear some quick fixes for managing flares.

Leni Cohen PSA patient.
Leni Cohen
Living with PsA
“[When I have a flare], that's a big help, is just hearing somebody say to me ... ‘It's only temporary. This is not permanent. This is not your new normal.’”
Transcript Available
Stephen Nothum patient PSA.
Stephen Nothum
Living with PsA
I wish I had this sort of foresight to feel a flare coming on ... but I will say that I think I’m just a lot more conscious about how stressed I am.”
Transcript Available
jeanette psa.
Jeanette Gladstone
Living with PsA
“I have good days and bad days ... Music is my thing. It will take me away from whatever it is I’m going through at that moment.”
Transcript Available
Leni Cohen PSA patient.
Leni Cohen
Living with PsA
“The fact that I can get out of bed by myself, feed myself, and put on my clothes. I breathe a huge sigh of relief.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on the Invisible Symptoms of PsA

Unlike psoriasis, a skin condition often linked with psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory diseases aren’t visible on the body. So when you have psoriatic arthritis, you may look physically healthy, but symptoms such as fatigue and mobility challenges can get in the way of daily life.

Hear Leni and Stephen talk about how they navigate these hidden symptoms.

Leni Cohen PSA patient.
Leni Cohen
Living with PsA
“When my husband proposed ... I didn’t want to set a date with him until I knew for sure that I could walk down the aisle by myself.”
Transcript Available
Stephen Nothum patient PSA.
Stephen Nothum
Living with PsA
The fatigue is something that [can impact] your ability to either show up at home, or in your friendships, or at your job.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on Life Beyond PsA

Managing psoriatic arthritis doesn’t have to slow you down. Sudden flares can throw a wrench in planned events or daily routines, but there are ways to give your body the rest it needs while still living life to the fullest.
Leni Cohen PSA patient.
Leni Cohen
Living with PsA
“When I first was diagnosed, I didn't even bother to make plans because I didn't think I could go anywhere or do anything.”
jeanette psa.
Jeanette Gladstone
Living with PsA
“Gardening is my palette. I enjoy going out and rearranging and taking out bushes of flowers ... [and] the pain kind of disappears.”
Transcript Available
Stephen Nothum patient PSA.
Stephen Nothum
Living with PsA
“I think that you can find ways to listen to your body while also still being present [with your kids].”
Transcript Available
jeanette psa.
Jeanette Gladstone
Living with PsA
“Routine is a big deal for me. There are some things I have to do for me to be able to have my day.”
Transcript Available

Perspectives on the Mental and Emotional Side of PsA

Outside of physical symptoms, psoriatic arthritis can take a toll mentally and emotionally. With the unpredictability of flares, it can be difficult to make plans — and keep them. Some friends may understand, but some may not, which can feel isolating.

Hear how Leni, Stephen, and Jeanette tackle these feelings and manage their mental health while living with psoriatic arthritis.

Leni Cohen PSA patient.
Leni Cohen
Living with PsA
“Over time, you get used to the fact that people who love you want to see you do well, and they want to know that have a hand in helping you be better.”
Transcript Available
jeanette psa.
Jeanette Gladstone
Living with PsA
“It took a couple of groups online that really got to me ... to get my butt up and go to a therapist.”
Transcript Available
Stephen Nothum patient PSA.
Stephen Nothum
Living with PsA
“I do think we need to reflect on ‘Is this autoimmune disease changing who I am as a person?’”
Transcript Available
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Gottlieb A et al. Treatment patterns, unmet need, and impact on patient-reported outcomes of psoriatic arthritis in the United States and Europe. Rheumatology International. November 13, 2018.
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Sian Yik Lim, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Sian Yik Lim, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist at Hawaii Pacific Health. He is a clinical certified densitometrist, certified by the International Society of Clinical Densit...
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Madison Breaux

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Madison Breaux is an editor for Everyday Health. Before working in journalism, she worked as a copywriter and content marketing manager.
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