In the course of diagnostic interviews for medico-legal purposes, examinations were conducted into the concurrent predicament and health status of one hundred subjects (97 women and 3 men) making claims for 'Repetitive Strain Injury' (RSI). The conclusion reached was that concurrent life events were stressors producing somatized responses. Is necessary to understand the social determinants of the illness to predict its course, and potential for exacerbation or recovery.