Medical psychology
Medical Psychology
Medical psychology (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl saɪˈkɒlədʒi/) is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on the interplay between physical health and psychological well-being.
Etymology
The term "medical psychology" is derived from the Latin medicus meaning "physician" and the Greek psychologia meaning "study of the mind".
Definition
Medical psychology is a multidisciplinary field that integrates the principles of psychology and medicine to understand how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and illness. It involves the application of psychological principles to promote health, prevent and treat diseases, and improve patient care.
Related Terms
- Health Psychology: A branch of psychology that focuses on how mental, emotional, and social factors affect physical health and illness.
- Clinical Psychology: A branch of psychology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
- Behavioral Medicine: An interdisciplinary field that combines medicine and psychology to understand and treat medical conditions from a biopsychosocial perspective.
- Psychosomatic Medicine: A subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the relationship between mental and physical health.
Role of Medical Psychologists
Medical psychologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system. They work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and research institutions. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. Their responsibilities include conducting psychological assessments, providing psychotherapy, developing treatment plans, conducting research, and educating patients and healthcare providers about the psychological aspects of health and illness.
Techniques Used in Medical Psychology
Medical psychologists use a variety of techniques to assess and treat patients. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Biofeedback, and Relaxation Techniques. They also use psychological testing to diagnose mental disorders and evaluate patients' cognitive functioning.
Training and Education
To become a medical psychologist, one must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology, complete an internship in a healthcare setting, and obtain licensure to practice psychology. Some medical psychologists also complete additional training in a specific area of interest such as health psychology, clinical psychology, or behavioral medicine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medical psychology
- Wikipedia's article - Medical psychology
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