ABSTRACT
It has become evident that psychosocial factors appear to play a role in the development of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) (Berg et al., 1991; NIOSH, 1990). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pathophysiology of CTDs and to suggest that target organs could be sensitized and respond to various substances such as neuro-peptides and neurotransmitters in an excessive way, in the presence of psychosocial stress. The various disorders of tissues will be described; the suggested manner in which the responses in these tissues may be modified by these substances will be elucidated.
