Chronic diseases result in an increased vulnerability
to psychological problems. With an incidence of many
chronic conditions on the rise, screening for anxiety
and depression should become a routine part of
effective medical therapy, especially if treatment of
psychological co-morbidities can be demonstrated to
improve the course of the disease or improve a
patient s quality of life. Gastroenterological
conditions have been found to be closely associated
with mental problems. Because of this, the
understanding and treatment of these
disorders must incorporate a psychological
perspective. This interdisciplinary book aims to be a
voice in a discussion on the closer co-existence of
gastroenterology and psychology, and on the
application of the biopsychosocial model to a deeper
understanding of gastrointestinal disorders. The book
should be especially useful to health professionals
with an interest in the relationship between the
psyche and chronic disease, and gastroenterological
disorders in particular, or anyone else with an
interest in the biopsychosocial model.
to psychological problems. With an incidence of many
chronic conditions on the rise, screening for anxiety
and depression should become a routine part of
effective medical therapy, especially if treatment of
psychological co-morbidities can be demonstrated to
improve the course of the disease or improve a
patient s quality of life. Gastroenterological
conditions have been found to be closely associated
with mental problems. Because of this, the
understanding and treatment of these
disorders must incorporate a psychological
perspective. This interdisciplinary book aims to be a
voice in a discussion on the closer co-existence of
gastroenterology and psychology, and on the
application of the biopsychosocial model to a deeper
understanding of gastrointestinal disorders. The book
should be especially useful to health professionals
with an interest in the relationship between the
psyche and chronic disease, and gastroenterological
disorders in particular, or anyone else with an
interest in the biopsychosocial model.