The term musculo-skeletal disorders describes a broad range of problems, with varying aetiologies and different natural histories, that are seen and treated in diverse treatment settings. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology affecting approximately 0.8% of the population, with women being affected three times more often than men. Psychiatric disorders are common in sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. Complex cases may require more detailed assessment by a consultation-liaison psychiatrist. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was initially proposed as a descriptive label for a clinical syndrome characterized by widespread pain and increased sensitivity to pressure at various anatomical locations known as tender points. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of all joint diseases. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) and associated disability is a major health and socio-economic problem. Psychological treatments are effective in reducing psychological distress, and improving coping in subjects with a wide range of musculo-skeletal disorders.