Psychological Co-morbidities of Physical Illness

Abstract

except for brief excerpts in connection with reviews or scholarly analysis. Use in connection with any form of information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed is forbidden. The use in this publication of trade names, trademarks, service marks, and similar terms, even if they are not identified as such, is not to be taken as an expression of opinion as to whether or not they are subject to proprietary rights. While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of going to press, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com) v Individuals with psychological disorders are disproportionately affected by chronic disease, which presents a significant health disparity that is underrecognized and underaddressed. Physical and psychological illnesses co-occur more often than not in clinical populations, and this co-occurrence is associated with greater impairment, lower adherence, poor treatment response, lower quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. This book is the first comprehensive resource regarding psychological co-morbidities of physical illness. It serves as both a handbook for clinicians who care for patients with co-morbidities as well as a call for research that increases our understanding of the connection between physical and psychological illness, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of people with psychological disorders.A constellation of behavioral, pharmacological, and physiological factors play a role in the increased risk for disease among individuals with psychological disorders. Behavioral factors include higher rates of smoking, obesity, and unhealthy behaviors. Psychopharmacology has also been implicated given that many drugs promote weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Physiological processes of psychological distress, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction, can also manifest in the development of chronic disease. In addition to identifying the most prevalent psychological co-morbidities of physical illness, this book explores how behavioral, pharmacological, and physiological factors converge to put individuals with psychological disorders at greater risk for disease.This book is firmly rooted in the philosophy of evidence-based practice and was designed to help narrow the existing research to practice gap. One of the most commonly cited reasons by clinicians for not using evidence-based treatments is that randomized clinical trials do not reflect their consumers who have multiple co-morbidities. Traditionally, randomized clinical trials, by having a disease-specific focus...

Quantification and Comparison of Avoidable Mortality – Causal Relations and Modification of Concepts

“…Causalities between these components are subject to many research studies (Šimrová et al 2014;Šoltés, Gavurová 2014aŠoltés, Gavurová , 2014bŠoltés, Gavurová , 2014c. Similarly, there are evident significant differences in a morbidity structure (Pampel 2001;Pagoto 2011;Pol, Thomas 2013). The most numerous diseases and causes of death have been transferred from group of infectious diseases to chronic diseases for the last three decades.…”

The Psychological Impact of Diabetic Limb Problems

“…It can influence diabetes and its complications through biological pathways (alteration in glucose transport and hormonal abnormalities) and negative health behaviours (inactivity, smoking, poor diet and poor self-care). 11 Depression is also the most important determinant of quality of life in patients with diabetes. 19 Ultimately, depressive disorders increases the risk of death in patients with DFU, with almost threefold increase at 18 months.…”

“…These can be done through the application of screening tools such as the Diabetes Distress Scale, Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire and Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey. 11…”

“…Strong support from family and friends can reduce or prevent anxiety in patients with DFU and improve their outcome. 11 Incorporating spiritual interventions can be useful in promoting acceptance and reduce psychiatric symptoms in DFU and especially following amputations. 22 Many interventions have been tried and appear helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as well as improvement in glycaemic control such as biofeedback-assisted relaxation training and mindfulness-based stress management.…”

“…10 Type 2 diabetes mellitus is especially widespread among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and i partly explained by the long-term use of antipsychotic medications. 11 Numerous research have been done to study the psychological and social consequences of diabetes. However, only a handful of studied looked at the psychological impact of diabetic limb problems.…”