Psychosocial concepts in rheumatoid arthritis.
This article reviews and tabulates some of the current concepts of the role of psychosocial factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Concepts prevalent during the 1950's are listed followed by discussion of some of the variable factors that complicate studies in this field. Studies are then cited which lead to the following conclusions:1. Patients with RA tend to have certain personality characteristics, such as depression, rigidity, dependency, neurotic response patterns, emotional instability, feelings of guilt and low ego strength.2. These are not specific to RA.3. They may well be sequelae of the disease rather than pre-morbid features.4. There is no clear evidence as to the role of psychological stress in causing or activating RA.5. Personality factors have an influence on the course of the disease.
McGillivray
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