The use of psychotropic drugs in rheumatology

The possible role of various psychotropic drugs in the management of rheumatic diseases is considered--tranquillizers, sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The dilemma of which anti-depressant for which patient is considered. The possible association between rheumatoid disease and disorders of the brain, brain-stem and autonomic nervous system is discussed. Psychotropic drugs may effect the disease itself as well as the patient's mood. The author is opposed, however, to the idea that rheumatoid arthritis may be regarded as a psychosomatic disease.