Medical Psychology applies psychological principles to the understanding and treatment of physical health conditions. Practitioners often work alongside medical professionals to address the interplay between mental and physical health.
Key Points:
- Focus: Chronic pain management, rehabilitation (e.g., after injury or surgery), coping with terminal illness, adherence to medical regimens, and stress-related conditions.
- Methods: Health education, biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy for lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking cessation, weight management), and counseling for patients and families.
- Settings: Hospitals, integrated care clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practice.
- Goal: Improve patient outcomes by addressing behavioral factors, emotional responses to illness, and health-related decision-making.
