Summary Health Psychology

Cognitive behavior approach: The main focus of these approaches is that thoughts, feelings, and behavior combine to influence a person’s quality of life. The common underlying assumption of these cognitive-behavioral approaches is the theory that unproductive or maladaptive thinking and behavior is the root cause of the problems. Un-productive Cognition effect quality of life (Example): Severe shyness in social situations (social phobia) may come from the person thinking that other people will always find them boring or stupid. This belief could cause the person to feel extremely anxious in social situations. This could lead to certain behavior in social situations, such as trembling, sweating, accelerated heart rate or other uncomfortable symptoms. The person could then feel overwhelmed with negative emotions (such as shame) and negative self-talk (‘I'm such an idiot’). Their fear of social situations could become worse with every bad experience. Maladaptive behavior effect quality of life (Example): Smokers have an increased risk of dementia, a condition that can affect memory, thinking abilities, language skills, judgment, and behavior. It may also cause personality changes. Smoking raises the risk that blood clots will develop in the brain, which can result in strokes. This can lead to a type of dementia. These may include increased agitation, depressive symptoms, anxiety, wandering, aggression, or sometimes hallucinations. Bladder incontinence is common in the later stages of dementia, and some people will also experience bowel incontinence. Appetite and weight loss problems are both common in advanced dementia. Combination of cognition and behavior to effect health (Example): Some people smoke as ‘self-medication’ to ease feelings of stress. However, research has shown that smoking actually increases anxiety and tension. Nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation, so people smoke in the belief it reduces stress and anxiety. This feeling is temporary and soon gives way to withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings. Smoking reduces the withdrawal symptoms, but doesn’t reduce anxiety or deal with the reasons someone may feel that way. How it works: The CB approach focuses on the clients’ ways of thinking and behaving, as well as the relationship between their thoughts, their actions/reactions, and how they feel. As its name implies, it works by identifying and modifying the thoughts and behaviors that may be causing difficulties to the clients, which then helps to improve their mood. Consequently, the clinician helps the person see this and teaches them new cognitive and behavioral skills to overcome the problem. Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The underlying concept behind CBT is that thoughts and feelings play a fundamental role in behavior.1 For example, a person who spends a lot of time thinking about plane crashes, runway accidents, and other air disasters may avoid air travel as a result. The goal of cognitive behavior therapy is to teach people that while they cannot control every aspect of the world around them, they can take control of how they interpret and deal with things in their environment. CBT is often known for the following key benefits: ⦁ It allows you to engage in healthier thinking patterns by becoming aware of the negative and often unrealistic thoughts that dampen your feelings and moods.1 ⦁ It is an effective short-term treatment option; for example, improvements can be seen in five to 20 sessions. ⦁ It has been found effective for a wide variety of maladaptive behaviors.1 ⦁ It is often more affordable than some other types of therapy. ⦁ It has been found to be effective online as well as face-to-face.8 ⦁ It can be used for those who don’t require psychotropic medication. ⦁ One of the greatest benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy is that it helps clients develop coping skills that can be useful both now and in the future. Symptoms Of Behavioral Disorders : Emotional Symptoms : According to Boston Children’s Hospital, some of the emotional symptoms of behavioral disorders include: ⦁ Easily getting annoyed or nervous ⦁ Often appearing angry ⦁ Putting blame on others ⦁ Refusing to follow rules or questioning authority ⦁ Arguing and throwing temper tantrums ⦁ Having difficulty in handling frustration Physical Symptoms of Behavioral Disorders : A behavioral disorder will have mostly emotional symptoms, with physical symptoms such as a fever, rash, or headache. However, sometimes people suffering from a behavioral disorder will develop a substance abuse problem, which could show physical symptoms such as burnt fingertips, shaking or bloodshot eyes. More symptoms are : ⦁ Muscle twitching ⦁ Sleep pattern changes ⦁ Digestive issues such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and appetite changes. ⦁ Sluggishness (inactive) ⦁ Stomach aches ⦁ Nausea ⦁ Fatigue ⦁ Weakness ⦁ Numbness ⦁ Trouble breathing ⦁ Shortness of breathe ⦁ Dizziness ⦁ Memory problems Treatment for cognitive behavioral approach: Thoughts and emotions can influence behavior for better or worse: Inaccurate or negative perceptions or thoughts contribute to emotional distress and mental health concerns. These thoughts and the resulting distress sometimes lead to unhelpful or harmful behaviors. Eventually, these thoughts and resulting behaviors can become a pattern that repeats itself. Learning how to address and change these patterns can help you deal with problems as they arise, which can help reduce future distress. Provide CBT and its techniques: CBT aims to teach people that it is possible to have control over their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT helps the person to challenge and overcome automatic beliefs, and use practical strategies to change or modify their behavior. The result is more positive feelings, which in turn lead to more positive thoughts and behaviors. Under stressful conditions, some individuals tend to feel pessimistic and unable to solve problems. CBT promotes more balanced thinking to improve the ability to cope with stress and medical illness and manage chronic physical symptoms. The main focus of CBT is that thoughts, feelings and behaviors combine to influence a person’s quality of life. For example, severe shyness in social situations (social phobia) may come from the person thinking that other people will always find them boring or stupid. This belief could cause the person to feel extremely anxious in social situations. This could lead to certain behavior in social situations, such as trembling, sweating, accelerated heart rate or other uncomfortable symptoms. The person could then feel overwhelmed with negative emotions (such as shame) and negative self-talk (‘I’m such an idiot’). Their fear of social situations could become worse with every bad experience. CBT aims to teach people that it is possible to have control over their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT helps the person to challenge and overcome automatic beliefs, and use practical strategies to change or modify their behavior. The result is more positive feelings, which in turn lead to more positive thoughts and behaviors. Most health psychology problems are multifaceted and require several CBT intervention strategies and a greater focus on cognitive change. For example, addictive behaviors, including smoking, alcohol abuse or dependence, and obesity-related behaviors (diet and exercise) are complex, and CBT treatment protocols usually incorporate several strategies, including stimulus control and contingency management, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, and relapse prevention. The details of treatment will vary according to the person’s problem. However, CBT typically includes the following: ⦁ Assessment ⦁ Personal education ⦁ Goal setting ⦁ Practice of strategies ⦁ Homework Assessment: This may include filling out questionnaires to help you describe your particular problem and pinpoint distressing symptoms. You will be asked to complete forms from time to time so that you and your therapist can plot your progress and identify problems or symptoms that need extra attention Personal education: