Psychology and Health Issues Program Review
Psychology and Health Issues Program Review
Tonisha Cornish
HCA250
September 23, 2012
April Doctor-Smalls
Psychology and Health Issues Program Review
Over the years, “the importance of the mental health expert in the management of medically ill individuals has grown with the proliferation of information linking health and behavior”. (Harris & Lustman, 1998) Receiving a diagnosis such as Diabetes Mellitus has been linked to psychological disorders that affect the way an individual copes with this disorder. We will identify treatments, controlled and uncontrolled factors, and the approach used by mental health professional to help these patients replace unhealthful behaviors in the midst of emotional distress. With years of study and research, an accumulation of evidenced has been gathered revealing the association between social, psychological, and behavioral factors that influence the diabetic population. Psychologists have discovered that stress, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are amongst the most prevalent psychological disorders experienced amongst individuals suffering from this complication. Acknowledging this factor reveals that the care for patients with this disorder require an interdisciplinary team approach consisting of physicians, dietitians, and psychologists who are able to educate and provide these individuals with the tools needed to make the proper adjustments required to maintain a healthful life.
According to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), many diabetics experience similar stages as that of bereavement. (Diabetes.co.uk, 2012) Because a chronic diagnosis such as diabetes signifies the loss of health, many individuals suffering from this condition are subjected to periods of denial, a sense of hopelessness, anger, and frustration following diagnosis. There is a fear of long term complications and commitment. Many have a difficult time coping with the lifestyle changes associated with this disorder.
Tonisha Cornish
HCA250
September 23, 2012
April Doctor-Smalls
Psychology and Health Issues Program Review
Over the years, “the importance of the mental health expert in the management of medically ill individuals has grown with the proliferation of information linking health and behavior”. (Harris & Lustman, 1998) Receiving a diagnosis such as Diabetes Mellitus has been linked to psychological disorders that affect the way an individual copes with this disorder. We will identify treatments, controlled and uncontrolled factors, and the approach used by mental health professional to help these patients replace unhealthful behaviors in the midst of emotional distress. With years of study and research, an accumulation of evidenced has been gathered revealing the association between social, psychological, and behavioral factors that influence the diabetic population. Psychologists have discovered that stress, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are amongst the most prevalent psychological disorders experienced amongst individuals suffering from this complication. Acknowledging this factor reveals that the care for patients with this disorder require an interdisciplinary team approach consisting of physicians, dietitians, and psychologists who are able to educate and provide these individuals with the tools needed to make the proper adjustments required to maintain a healthful life.
According to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), many diabetics experience similar stages as that of bereavement. (Diabetes.co.uk, 2012) Because a chronic diagnosis such as diabetes signifies the loss of health, many individuals suffering from this condition are subjected to periods of denial, a sense of hopelessness, anger, and frustration following diagnosis. There is a fear of long term complications and commitment. Many have a difficult time coping with the lifestyle changes associated with this disorder.
References: 1. California Diabetes Program. (2012, September). California Diabetes Program. Retrieved from http://caldiabetes.org 2. Diabetes.co.uk. (2012, September). Diabetes and Emotions: Diabetes Burnout. Retrieved from http://diabetes.co.uk 3. Harris, M. A., & Lustman, P. J. (1998). Clinical Diabetes. The Psychologist in Diabetes Care, Vol. 16(2), 1. Retrieved from http://journal.diabetes.org 4. National Diabetes Fact Sheet. (2007, Unknown). Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2007.pdf