The psychology of rheumatic diseases

Most chronic rheumatological disorders require major psychological adaptati on, and levels of psychological distress among those with rheumatological d isease have been found to be higher than in the general population. Researc h suggests that the relationship between disease severity, disablement and psychological well-being is not simple. This chapter highlights the complex nature of this relationship and will indicate, in particular, how psycholo gical factors can impact on patients' perceptions of their symptoms and phy sical functioning. Psychological concepts that may mediate between the dise ase and its consequences are also discussed. A range of psychosocial interv entions have been developed for individuals with rheumatological disorders. Most have related to rheumatoid arthritis, and although their primary focu s has usually been on alleviating pain and improving physical functioning, this chapter examines their impact on psychological well-being. It also dis cusses a number of methodological issues that need to be addressed in this area of work.