Behavioral and social research in rheumatology.

The recent literature on behavioral and social research in rheumatology covers the descriptive epidemiology of the behavioral, psychologic, and social impact of rheumatic diseases, the identification of risk factors and predictors of psychosocial outcomes, and cognitive and behavioral interventions used in the management of rheumatic disease. Past studies focused primarily on behavioral and social outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Recent work has continued to explore these issues in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, but a number of studies are examining psychosocial impact and interventions in other rheumatic conditions, such as fibromyalgia and systemic sclerosis. The continued understanding of these consequences of rheumatic disease will enhance the quality of life in individuals who have these conditions.