Torrance Office: (310) 375-4855
Glendale Office: (818) 547-2623
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Torrance Office: (310) 375-4855 |
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Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology Behavioral medicine, also known as health psychology, is the study and practice of how behavior and psychological factors can affect one’s physical health. There is a connection between one’s mind, brain, body, and environment, and this interaction can affect the course and treatment of an individual’s health condition. By addressing psychological or behavioral factors, a therapist can help clients improve their health, prevent or reduce physical and functional decline, and positively change the course of their medical treatment or rehabilitation. For example, oftentimes, behavioral strategies can be used instead of medication in the treatment of a medical condition, or it can be used in conjunction with prescription medications or other medical procedures to enhance treatment outcome. Common issues include: Pain management, insomnia, headaches, and maintaining necessary lifestyle changes to control acute or chronic medical illnesses (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes). |
Having an acute or chronic medical condition can also result in significant emotional distress for diagnosed individuals and their family. It can leave everyone involved feeling many powerful emotions, including being sad, afraid, overwhelmed, helpless, angry, or frustrated. For some, it can lead to psychological problems such as an anxiety disorder or depression. People can have difficulty coping with the reality of their diagnosis, adjusting to changes in their physical or functional status, or with following their prescribed treatment regimen. Family members also may experience psychological difficulties from having to witness changes in their loved one, the suffering of their loved one, and/or from the stress of having to provide care for them. Therapists can help clients with acute or chronic medical conditions and their families address their psychological problems, learn strategies to enhance health and prevent illness, and to learn how to better cope with their circumstances as individuals, and as a family. |
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©2002 Rodney P. Boone. All Rights
Reserved.
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