Rheumatoid arthritis: Review of psychological factors related to etiology, effects, and treatment.

Provides a comprehensive review of the psychological literature related to the etiology, effects, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a chronic disease with no known cause or cure that typically follows an unpredictable course. A brief summary of the relevant medical aspects of RA is also included. The possible role of psychological variables in the onset of RA is discussed, with emphasis on the potential etiological role of stress. An examination of the multiple consequences of RA suggests that psychologists can play an important role in the development of standardized assessment techniques to measure the effects of RA. The increasing use of psychological treatment strategies to reduce the pain and disability associated with RA also reflects the growing collaboration between rheumatologists and psychologists. It is concluded that methodological problems apparent in the literature must be overcome for psychologists to contribute further to clinical research and practice in the rheumatic disease area. (5 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)