Rheumatoid arthritis, hypochondriasis, depression and sewing

Six female postmenopausal psychiatric inpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), domineering personality, hypochondriasis, alexithymia and perfectionism are presented. None of the patients fully responded to antidepressant drug treatment. Five of the six women were professionally engaged in sewing, which might be considered a mechanical risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis. Several psychiatric aspects of RA are discussed, particularly the existence of the "arthritic personality" and the influence of psychological stress in RA patients.