To get a clear and meaningful picture of a TB patient's illness and, to manage it better, one has to visualize the illness against the background of the personality characteristics of the person and his life situations. Viewing the patient in this way is termed the psychosomatic approach. Using this approach has contributed to our understanding of the varying reactions of the TB patient to his/ her illness, specifically, reactions before seeking help, reactions to diagnosis, reactions to illness and pre-morbid personality. TB patients also vary in their reactions to the different types of available treatment (domiciliary, surgical, living in a sanatorium) and, to the rehabilitation process. Therefore, psychological and social problems should be given due consideration in planning the management of these cases. Most of the psychological and social problems may be handled by the physician in charge of the case, but a small number of cases may require expert help, and the physician should be alert to spot these cases.