3-4: Psychological Interventions and Chronic Illness

Question 1

Name four ways that medical patients differ from patients with psychological complaints in terms of the kind of psychotherapy they receive.

Answer 1

1. Therapy is more likely to be episodic than continuous.
2. There is more collaboration among the therapist, physician, and family members.
3. Therapy requires more respect of the patient’s defenses.
4. The therapist must understand the illness and the modes of treatment.

Question 2

Identify the benefits of using relaxation training with the chronically ill.

Answer 2

• It can reduce the likelihood that asthmatics will have an asthma attack for example.
• It can decrease anxiety and nausea from chemotherapy.
• It can decrease pain for cancer patients.
• It can increase energy and vigor in multiple sclerosis patients.

Question 3

Describe what happens in a support group.

Answer 3

Support groups offer a forum for discussion of issues of mutual concern arising from the illness. They often provide specific information about how others have successfully dealt with the problems raised by the illness, treatment alternatives, and coping strategies. They also offer opportunities for individuals to share their emotional responses with others facing the same problems.

Question 4

Give three reasons why support groups may encourage adherence

Answer 4

1. People who commit publicly to changing their behaviors are more likely to do so.
2. People learn from their peers what works and what does not.
3. Emotional support and encouragement increase the likelihood of adherence.

Question 5

patient education

Answer 5

Programs designed to inform patients about their disorder and its treatment and to train them in methods for coping with a disorder and its corresponding limitations.

Question 6

mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

Answer 6

Systematic training in meditation to enable people to self-regulate their reactions to stress and the negative emotions that may result.

Question 7

support groups

Answer 7

Groups of individuals who meet regularly and usually have a common problem or concern; support groups are believed to help people cope because they provide opportunities to share concerns and exchange information with similar others.