Behavioral Medicine

Introduction to Behavioral Medicine

The interrelated nature of the mind and the body is a well-accepted phenomenon. They are not mutually exclusive; the mind and the body each influence the other in some capacity. For instance, stress can exacerbate or possibly cause physical illness, preventing or delaying recovery. On the other hand, physical illnesses can lead to psychological distress, resulting in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, relational problems, and substance abuse. Because of this strong interconnection, psychological and behavioral services can complement medical treatment. The expertise of a behavioral health specialist can offer unique contributions to client management, providing insight into psychological aspects of the medical illness, understanding and explaining possible roadblocks in treatment, and aiding in formulating effective treatment plans.

At The Center for Integrated Psychological Services at MHCD, the overarching goal is to promote health through psychological awareness and effective behavioral change. CIPS business practices, ethics, and vision align with the sentiments of the general practice of behavioral medicine. This interdisciplinary field, which promotes the development and integration of sociocultural, psychosocial, behavioral, and medical aspects as they relate to overall health and illness, uses a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to understanding and identifying behaviors and experiences that promote health, give rise to illness, and influence the effectiveness of treatment and recovery.

Because behavioral medicine focuses on understanding how peoples’ behaviors and feelings affect their overall health and how different medical conditions affect their behaviors and feelings, treatment often involves changing habits to help restore balance to the client’s life. These changes may include, but are not limited to

Assessing, understanding, and modifying resistant behavioral patterns;
Challenging and changing negative thought patterns;
Enhancing healthy stress management and coping skills;
Learning and utilizing relaxation and mindfulness techniques;

Identifying and capitalizing on client strengths;
Understanding and implementing effective problems solving skills;
Assertiveness training

Staff at The Center for Integrated Psychological Services at MHCD understand that change can be very difficult. This dilemma in change is the reason CIPS developed a unique approach to the assessment process. In addition to participating in a comprehensive assessment that will help better understand the psychological factors impacting the client’s medical concerns, there is also the opportunity for the client to engage in a series of brief, structured interventions. These interventions are tailored specifically to the client and the concerns expressed by the referring party. These interventions will capitalize on the clients’ strengths, with the goal of enhancing their medical treatment and providing clients with the motivation and courage to move toward positive change, improving their quality of life and restoring hope for their future.

Types of Behavioral Medicine Evaluations

Behavioral medicine evaluations are often required by insurance carriers and/or physicians before certain procedures are performed or simply to gain a better understanding of psychological factors impacting a client’s medical treatment. The evaluation approach varies, depending on referral questions. Generally, however, these evaluations often include the assessment of psychological preparedness, relevant behavioral patterns, current coping strategies and styles, stress management, psychosocial status, support systems, contributors to treatment resistance, client vulnerabilities, and client resources and strengths.

Specific Types of Evaluations

Surgery preparation (i.e. weight reduction, organ transplant)
Medical Treatment Procedures (i.e. insulin pump)
Chronic pain evaluations
Problems with weight management and body image dissatisfaction
Somatization Evaluations
Assessment of client motivation, “readiness” issues, and “treatment interfering behaviors.”

Possible Referring Parties

Primary Care Physician/Family Medicine
Pediatrics
Internal Medicine
Oncology
OB-GYN

Cardiology
Rehabilitative Medicine
General Surgery
Orthopedics
Gastroenterology

Possible Referral Questions

The referral question is an important part of the assessment process, as it informs the overall approach, including the selection of tests, report format, and recommendations. Below are a few examples of referral questions for a behavioral medicine evaluation:

“How can we better engage this client in managing his/her chronic disease?”
“How is the client adjusting emotionally to his/her current medical condition?”
“What psychological factors might represent relative contraindications to this suggested surgical procedure?”
“What are some contributing factors to this client’s sleeping problems?”