[Psychalgia in rheumatology. Methods of approach and intervention]

The observation of several cases triggers a review of psychological pain in rheumatology. Such situations require a thorough grounding on the part of the rheumatologist who must work with the psychiatrist and clinical psychologist in the treatment of such patients. The importance of teamwork and the need for clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in rheumatology wards is emphasised and the approach and treatment techniques to be adopted for patients suffering from so-called psychological pain are outlined. Essentially, the first (approach) stage involving several phases will be followed by a second stage to be evaluated by the team in an attempt to provide the patient with the most appropriate treatment.