Psychological Aspects of Physical Disorders

1
Psychological Aspects of Physical Disorders

• DSM-IV and Physical Disorders
• Coded on Axis III
• Recognize that psychological factors can affect
  medical conditions
• Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Factors
• Major contributors to medical illness and disease
• Examples include STDs, cancer, cardiovascular
  diseases

2
Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Aspects of
Health

• Two Primary Paths
• Psychological factors can influence basic
  biological processes
• Behavior patterns may put people at risk for
  disease
• 50 of the Leading Causes of Death in the U.S.
  Are Linked to Behavior Patterns

3
Stress

• Definition
• Behavioral and Physiological Response
• Key Role of Perception
• Effects

4
General Adaptation Syndrome
ALARM
EXHAUSTION
RESISTANCE
5
Stress and the Immune System

• Lowers Immune System Functioning
• Increases the Risk of Infection
• Effects are Often Rapid

6
Factors Affecting Response to Stress

• Interpretation of Stressors
• A Sense of Control
• Coping Skills
• Self-Efficacy
• Health and Wellness Behaviors
• Social Support
• Immune System Functioning

7
Psychological and Behavioral Factors

• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Others