This review is concerned with the clinical and research implications of psychosomatic research in endocrinology. A possible role of life events in the pathogenesis of endocrine disease, the psychological distress associated with acute illness, and the issue of quality of life in clinical endocrinology are surveyed. In particular, the psychosomatic aspects of Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, acromegaly, growth hormone deficiency, and hirsutism are considered.