Clinical Handbook of Health Psychology: A Practical Guide to Effective Interventions

This health psychology text, which is both a working reference manual for professional health psychologists and a teaching tool, has been revised and updated. The first section looks at the foundations of good practice, including how to carry out an effective initial clinical interview and assessment. In the next main section, detailed chapters then address the most important medical conditions dealt with by psychologists, including cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, chronic pain, diabetes, endocrine and gastrointestinal problems, AIDS, MS, obstetric and gynaecological conditions, and many more. The final section looks at community, social, spiritual, and creative involvement, including effective methods for helping patients cope with their medical conditions, alternative health methods, and risk reduction in minority populations.