[Progressive chronic polyarthritis from the viewpoint of individual psychology].

In 106 patients with rheumatoid arthritis it could be shown by Adlerian Psychology that in more than half of the patients both physical over activity before the disease and painful inhibition of movement during the disease were an imaginary solution of the problem. Both are functions of a threatened mental and physical mobility and autonomy. In pointing out this relationship we aim to show lifestyle as a risk factor for the disease and indicate causative therapeutic aspects.