Medical psychology, lecture 1, INTRODUCTION

What is medical psychology in a narrow sense?

An applied psychological discipline applying psychological knowledge in medical practice for somatic and mental diseases.

What is medical psychology in a broader sense?

It includes Clinical and Health Psychology, incorporating knowledge from developmental psychology, psychotherapy, and neuroscience to improve somatic and mental health.

What does medical psychology share with health psychology and behavioral medicine?

An interest in how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence health.

What is the main goal of medical psychologists?

To improve the health and well-being of patients with physical illness using psychological theories and principles.

What techniques do medical psychologists use?

Psychotherapy, behavior modification, cognitive, interpersonal, and family therapy.

What is the definition of Clinical Psychology according to the APA?

A field that integrates science, theory, and practice to understand and alleviate psychological, biological, and social maladjustments.

Is clinical psychology only about clinical populations?

No, it also covers human development, personality adaptation, and development across cultures.

What is the focus of Health Psychology according to the APA?

Advancing psychology’s contribution to understanding health and disease by integrating biomedical and psychological knowledge.

What does the psychic-somatic relationship describe?

The mutual influence of mental states and somatic diseases on each other.

Where do psychologists work in medical contexts?

Hospitals, polyclinics, counseling centers, and institutes.

What are some problems in modern medicine?

New mass diseases, high healthcare costs, dehumanized patient care, and chronic illness due to increased life expectancy.

What role does psychology play in medicine?

Active involvement in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Who introduced the humoral theory?

Hippocrates and Galen.

What characterized the Middle Ages in medicine?

Priest-doctors, mysticism, demonology, and reliance on ancient texts.

What changed with Leeuwenhoek and Morgagni?

Rejection of humoral theory, development of pathohistology, and focus on specific causes.

What did Freud contribute to medical psychology?

The concept of psychoanalysis.

Who were key figures in psychosomatic medicine?

Dunbar and Alexander.

What is behavioral medicine?

The clinical use of behavioral therapy and modification procedures.

What is liaison psychiatry?

The application of psychiatry in organic diseases.

What does Stone suggest about psychology in healthcare?

It includes the term "health" and focuses on education, prevention, and system improvement.

What are key characteristics of the biomedical model?

Reductionist, focuses on bodily processes, and pathocentric.

What are key characteristics of the biopsychosocial model?

Health and disease result from interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors.

Why did Engel propose the biopsychosocial model?

Because the same diagnosis can have different outcomes depending on personality and psychosocial factors.

What does the biomedical model assume about causality?

It assumes single-factor causality, focusing on biological disturbances.

How does the biopsychosocial model view health causes?

It considers a wide range of interacting factors at macro and micro levels.

What is the spirit-body view in the biomedical model?

It separates the mind and body.

What is the focus of the biopsychosocial model in clinical practice?

Promoting, maintaining, and improving health with personalized treatment plans.

What is a major critique of the biomedical model?

Dualism, reductionism, and lack of holistic perspective.

What does the biopsychosocial model contribute?

A holistic, systemic approach considering personal and social factors.

What specialties are included in medical psychology?

Clinical, health, rehabilitation, pediatric, neuropsychology, and psychopharmacology.

What is the significance of adopting the biopsychosocial paradigm?

It moves away from the Cartesian mind-body split and emphasizes integrated care.

What does the psychobiosocial paradigm propose?

Integrated care by professionals trained to assess all functional components of health.