Psychological care of adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

Physicians treating patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis spend a considerable amount of time dealing with the psychological and social aspects of the disease. The patients' reaction to the disease can be related to age, experience, personality, and environment at work and at home. Common problems include loss of independence and self esteem, relations with family and friends, employment, and management of pain. Physicians should be attentive to the psychosocial aspects of rheumatoid arthritis and recognize their dynamic interactions to minimize their impact.