What is Health Psychology? | My Health Psychology Rotation

Summary

In this video, Phil Sarpong provides an insightful look into his experience as a Clinical Psychology graduate student in a health psychology rotation. He explains how health psychology bridges medicine and mental health, highlighting its focus on how physical health conditions, like chronic pain, addiction, and obesity, affect psychological well-being. Phil discusses the collaborative approach in treating patients, where health psychologists, dietitians, physicians, and other specialists work together to support patients' mental and physical health. He also shares his hands-on work with tobacco cessation, sleep issues, and exercise promotion, offering a comprehensive view of health psychology in practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Health psychology blends psychology with medicine to understand how physical health impacts mental well-being.
• 😀 Health psychologists often work in hospitals and medical centers to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of health.
• 😀 The role of health psychologists includes educating patients about the psychological effects of physical health conditions, like chronic pain.
• 😀 Health psychologists assist patients undergoing major medical procedures, such as bariatric surgery, by addressing their mental health and emotional well-being.
• 😀 Patients are typically supported by a team that may include psychologists, dietitians, and medical professionals, all working together to ensure holistic care.
• 😀 Chronic pain is a major focus in health psychology, where psychologists help patients understand the psychological impacts of their physical symptoms.
• 😀 Therapy in health psychology often includes educating patients about their health condition and how it can affect their mood and overall mental health.
• 😀 Health psychologists can play a significant role in supporting patients with issues like smoking cessation, insomnia, migraines, and chronic pain.
• 😀 Exercise and physical therapy are often incorporated into health psychology care plans to address both physical and mental health simultaneously.
• 😀 As health psychology grows in importance, it is becoming an integral part of modern medical care, emphasizing the connection between the body and mind.

Q & A

What is the focus of health psychology?

Health psychology combines psychology and medicine, focusing on how physical health conditions, diseases, and behaviors impact psychological well-being and how mental health affects physical health outcomes.

How does health psychology differ from neuropsychology?

While neuropsychology primarily focuses on the brain and its influence on behavior, health psychology addresses the interaction between the body's physical health and mental health, exploring how medical conditions like chronic pain, addiction, and disease affect psychological health.

What is the role of a health psychologist in a hospital setting?

A health psychologist in a hospital works alongside other medical professionals to address the psychological aspects of health conditions, providing therapy, education, and emotional support for patients dealing with issues like chronic pain, stress, or post-surgery recovery.

Why is psychological support important for patients undergoing bariatric surgery?

Psychological support is critical before and after bariatric surgery to address mental health concerns such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, which could affect the patient's ability to succeed in the weight loss process. A psychologist helps prepare the patient mentally for the surgery and supports their emotional well-being during recovery.

What is the interdisciplinary approach in health psychology?

Health psychologists work as part of a team that includes dietitians, physicians, and other specialists. This collaboration ensures that the patient receives comprehensive care, addressing both their physical health and psychological needs. For example, a dietitian addresses nutritional concerns while a psychologist helps with mental health management.

How do health psychologists educate patients about chronic pain?

Health psychologists educate patients about how chronic pain impacts not only the body but also the mind. They help patients understand the connection between pain and mood, and provide therapy or counseling to manage pain symptoms psychologically, potentially improving their overall quality of life.

What types of issues do health psychologists typically address in their practice?

Health psychologists often help patients with chronic conditions such as insomnia, migraines, tobacco addiction, chronic pain, and issues related to diet and exercise. They also work on improving overall wellness through mental health support and behavioral changes.

What role do health psychologists play in helping patients quit smoking?

Health psychologists assist in smoking cessation by addressing the psychological barriers to quitting, providing therapy to manage addiction, and helping patients cope with the emotional and mental challenges associated with breaking the smoking habit.

Why is exercise often a focus for health psychologists?

Exercise is emphasized in health psychology because it is a key component of both physical and mental health. Health psychologists may work with health coaches to help patients develop regular exercise habits, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance physical well-being.

What can patients expect during therapy with a health psychologist?

Patients can expect therapy to not only address their psychological well-being but also explore how physical health issues like pain or illness are affecting their mental state. Health psychologists may use psychotherapy techniques to relieve stress and anxiety related to health conditions and provide education on managing those conditions.