Psycho Physiological Disorders, Essay Example

Psychophysiological disorders are listed in other conditions within DSM-IV on Axis 1 : Not a mental disorder. These are a relatively new field of health psychology. They relate to diseases or symptoms that worsen psychological factors. These type of disorders are mainly: Asthma, Hypertension, Gastritis, Headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Cardio Vascular disease and hypertension account for a high degree of morbidity. (Craske, M.G. 2009).

Medical factors that are affected by psychological conditions are often complex and certain of these disorders are difficult to treat. Psychoanalytic methods used in the treatment of hypertension have ben shown to reduce blood pressure. Most severe cases are however treated with a combination of drugs. Cognitive therapies are still undergoing research and are employed in cases of Type A stress management. This also includes social skill and environmental changes. Lifestyle changes are also important including cessation of smoking, reducing alcohol intake and taking more regular exercise. Medical illnesses that fall under this category and will require treatment include such items as Diabetes, Hypertension, Renal disease.

Certain people are able to avoid the negative effects of the side effects by taking relaxation training that includes yoga, meditation and biofeedback methods. Those being treated for hypertension need to control anger and rage as this elevates the high blood pressure. Stress is also a leading cause of many physiological disorders. This often leads to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Good attitudes may help to reduce the causes of stress. Statistics illustrate “Among persons 35 to 64 years, 66% of hypertensives in the United States had their blood pressure controlled at 160/95 mm Hg, compared with 49% in Canada and 23% to 38% in Europe”. (Wolf-Maier, K. 2004)

References

Craske, M. (2009). What is anxiety disorder. Depression and Anxiety Vol 26(12), 1066-1085.

Katharina Wolf-Maier. (2004). Hypertension Treatment and Control in Five European Countries, Canada, and the United States. Hypertension, 10-17.