REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON THE PSYCHOLOG Y OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

This collection of writings aims at providing an update on the status of present knowledge on psychological aspects of adult rhumatoid arthr itis (RA) and integrating this data within a biopsychosocial perspecti ve of the illness. The article first describes the multifactorial natu re of the disorder and then offers a brief description of the biopsych osocial paradigm. The relevance of this model is examined taking into account the main psychological and social aspects of RA as reflected i n the most significant research available, namely in the field of psyc hophisiological mecanisms, stress, sociodemographic and psychosocial v ariales, depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain, functional disabil ity and adaptation to the illness. The authors conclude by briefly tac kling the topic of relationship among variales involved in the treatme nt of the illness and the psychological treatment of the disorder. The article also points to limits in our present knowledge and hints at f uture research topics. In conclusion, the authors state that this illn ess has several dimensions related to psychology that should not be ig nored by researchers and clinicians.