Abstract
This article argues for the necessity of cognitive-behavioral assessment for a thorough understanding of how psychological factors mediate disease process across a wide range of diseases including coronary artery disease, breast cancer, and human immunodeficiency disease. Based on empirical data presented as part of the APA Presidential miniconvention, “To Your Health: Psychology through the Life Span,” the conclusion is that psychological treatment can help extend life. Stress management programs can positively influence adherence to treatment regimens and positively influence the human immune system response during the course of treatment and recovery from illness. Even in the face of life-threatening circumstances such as liver transplantation, Stage II and III breast cancer, and after HIV infection has been diagnosed, the quality of life can be remarkably improved. Physicians and psychologists must work together to produce the beneficial effects of the synergy between mind-body processes.
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This paper is edited from the Presidential Miniseries, “To Your Health: Psychology Through the Life Span,” Can Psychological Treatment Help Extend Life? The Synergy Between Psychological and Medical Treatment. Presented at the 1995 APA Convention, New York, NY.
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Melamed, B.G. The interface between physical and mental disorders: The need to dismantle the biopsychosocialneuroimmunological model of disease. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2, 225–231 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01990878
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01990878