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David S. Caldwell

Associate Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology
Duke Box 2978, Durham, NC 27710
014 Baker House, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Our current efforts are a continuation of our research evaluating the utility of cognitive behavioral methods for assessing and treating pain. Ultimately it is our hope to help patients more effectively cope with long term demands of chronic and disabling pain due to both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Our current research in osteoarthritis is to examine physiological and psychological responses to noxious stimuli in men and women with osteoarthritis. We hope to learn more about differences in pain perception in men vs. women as well as any racial difference that may exist. In addition, we hope to learn more specifically the possible mechanism of these gender differences in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Patients with RA are faced with the task of coping with numerous major life stresses associated with their disease and often experience emotional distress related to disruptions in their health, work, family and marital functioning. With recognition of the psychosocial effects of RA has come increased interest in psychosocial approaches to treatment. The long range goal of our research here is to reduce the pain, psychological disability, and physical disability experienced by patients having rheumatoid arthritis. The study underway continues our research on psychosocial interventions for arthritis and is designed to test the hypothesis that a clinician - assisted emotional disclosure protocol can improve the long term functional status of patients with RA.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Medicine · 1986 - Present Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Medicine

Recent Publications


Effects of a Weight and Pain Management Program in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Investigation.

Journal Article J Clin Rheumatol · January 1, 2022 BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with poor outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effective weight management is imperative. Although traditional lifestyle behavioral weight loss programs have demonstrated efficacy for reducing weight, thes ... Full text Link to item Cite

Self-Efficacy for Pain Communication Moderates the Relation Between Ambivalence Over Emotional Expression and Pain Catastrophizing Among Patients With Osteoarthritis.

Journal Article J Pain · September 2018 UNLABELLED: Pain catastrophizing (ie, the tendency to focus on and magnify pain sensations and feel helpless in the face of pain) is one of the most important and consistent psychological predictors of the pain experience. The present study examined, in 60 ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Coping Skills Training for Early Rheumatoid Arthritis

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2002 - 2007

Gender, Coping, and the Arthritis Pain Experience

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1999 - 2004

Cognitive Behavioral Treatments For Arthritis Pain

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1993 - 1998

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Education, Training & Certifications


Wake Forest University · 1971 M.D.