Arthritis & Cannabis Use with Nicole Andersen
Arthritis Research Canada is home to over 40 research trainees. These trainees conduct research under the mentorship of leading experts in a variety of disciplines – from rheumatology to physiotherapy, pharmacy, health economics and more.
We are profiling these amazing, up-and-coming arthritis scientists and the projects they lead. Nicole Andersen is up next. She’s completing a PhD in counselling psychology at McGill University.
Nicole, tell us about your background.
I completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in psychology at McGill. My graduate research has focused on improving quality of life with chronic diseases. My PhD research focuses on inflammatory arthritis.
How did you get involved in arthritis research?
I worked for the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH)—the only Canada-wide early arthritis cohort study following people with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis over time. From this work, I realized I really enjoy arthritis research.
When I began my PhD, my supervisor, Dr. Deborah Da Costa, a Research Scientist in psychology at Arthritis Research Canada, had an opportunity for me to work on an arthritis project. I enthusiastically took the opportunity.
Insomnia Research
At least 70% of people with arthritis experience insomnia, which can worsen pain, fatigue and mental health problems. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists are working to change this by tailoring and testing a unique, online insomnia program for people with arthritis.
Insomnia Research
At least 70% of people with arthritis experience insomnia, which can worsen pain, fatigue and mental health problems. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists are working to change this by tailoring and testing a unique, online insomnia program for people with arthritis.
What is your current research focus? What are you working on?
My research is looking at cannabis use for arthritis. More specifically, I’m looking at how cannabis use affects the way people with arthritis feel and function. For example, I’m looking at how it affects pain, fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and parenting abilities.
What do you hope this research achieves?
People with arthritis are increasingly curious about whether cannabis can help with pain, sleep problems, and stress. However, the medical community doesn’t have answers on this yet. Cannabis use could be helpful, harmful, or neither. I hope my research will give us a better understanding of which one it could be.
Either way, it’s important to determine if there is a role for cannabis in arthritis treatment since it’s increasingly common and readily available in Canada.
Why is arthritis research important to you?
I’m passionate about arthritis research because it is a critical step in improving treatment options, arthritis care, and overall quality of life for people with arthritis.
What does it mean to you to be part of Arthritis Research Canada?
When conducting research, it helps tremendously to be involved in a prominent organization that is working in pursuit of the same goals. Being part of Arthritis Research Canada allows us to share important research findings with the people who need them most.
What do you hope to work on next? Any specific future aspirations?
When I finish my PhD, I hope to continue doing research. I will also become a licensed psychologist and hope to specialize in working with people with chronic diseases, like arthritis, to help them live fulfilling lives.
Real Research. Real People. Real Answers.
Cannabis is readily available in Canada. However, is there a role for it in arthritis treatment? Support research so that scientists like Nicole can find out.
