1.02 - The Impact Of The Psychological On Physical Health Flashcards
What are the three steps to classical conditioning
Situation (Chemotherapy –> Nausea & Vomiting) Acquisition (Chemotherapy & Dr. –> Nausea & Vomiting) Condition (Dr. –> Nausea & Vomiting)
Describe Somatic Symptom and related disorders. Provide some examples
Symptoms suggest a medical condition but not medical/biological cause can be found Examples: hypochondriasis, factitious disorders, conversion disorder. Not to be confused with malingering (fabricating or exaggerating the symptoms of mental or physical disorders for a variety of “secondary gain” motives which may include financial compensation, avoiding work etc.
Describe Hypochondriasis
Excessive concern & persistent belief about having a serious illness Misinterpretation or exaggeration of sensations Honest belief they are ill and require medical attention
Describe factitious disorders
Physical or psychological symptoms intentionally produced, exaggerated or faked in order to assume the sick role to gain attention, sympathy, caring etc…. Can result in unnecessary medical procedures/hospitalisation Examples: Munchaesen syndrome (by proxy)
Describe conversion disorders
Physical Disabilities such as blindness & paralysis that have no physiological basis. E.g. Technically blind, Senses are working fine but brain processing is faulty
Describe how cognition influences physical symptoms
Phenomenology: What we experience is the result of subjective processing/interpretation of sensory input. Not direct perception. The way we think and fell can have a direct influence on how we perceive physical sensations
Describe the cycle present between chronic pain and depression and how this can be explained by cognition.
Depressed patients have a 3-fold increased risk of developing chronic pain (especially migraines) and increased risk of disability due to pain Patients with chronic pain have 3 fold increased risk of developing mood or anxiety disorders Depression intensifies perception of pain Learn to fear activities that may cause pain (including rehabilitation) When isolated pay more attention to their pain. The more attention you pay to it the more it will bother you. Common treatment for chronic pain is antidepressants to break this cycle
Describe phantom limb pain
Amputated limb feels present long after removal, often in a habitual posture
Patients can ‘move’ their missing limb
Sensory memories usually fade over time
Not just limbs: also other appendages and internal viscera. Such as appendix pain after appendectomy
Not just the result of learning and memory: congenital phantoms are also possible. People born without limbs canfeel their missing limb
Describe how cognitive disorders can affect health behaviours
Problems with cognitive abilities (learning, memory, perception and attention) can influence how people look after their health & wellbeing.
Need to understand the risks, benefits, likelihoods and value of health related behaviours
This influences the ability to make informed decisions, treatment compliance and ultimately changes in health behaviour
What are some examples of cognitive disorders that can effect health behaviour?
Dyscalculia (dyslexia of numbers)
Impaired short term or long term memory. Short: difficulty in planning, decisiong making and problem solving. Long: can’t remember facts, meaning, definitions, might forget that have already taken their medication and overdose. E.g. Alzheimer’s.
What are some methods for management of people for conditions with cognitive disorders
Dyscalculia/Dyslexia: Different approaches to patient education, more visual examples, more guidance in managing health, closer management
Memory deficits: depends in the impairment. Appointments reminders, alarms, closer management, organized medication etc.
