Psychological factors in rheumatoid arthritis.

This article provides a review and discussion of recent developments in psychological research related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A description of the medical aspects of the disease is followed by an overview of the literature relating psychological variables to pain and disability in RA; a summary evaluating affective reactions, disease-related beliefs, and coping strategies in RA patients; and a discussion of psychological interventions with this patient population. Methodological weaknesses in the literature are noted and directions for future collaborative research between rheumatologists and psychologists are suggested.