Psychotherapeutic interventions in physical health: Effectiveness and economic efficiency.

Abstract

Two questions are addressed: (a) Does research support the hypothesis that psychotherapy exerts a favorable influence on physical health? (b) Can psychotherapy be employed to change physical health on a cost-effective basis? Research with overutilizers of medical services, surgical patients, and other groups is discussed in terms of methodological adequacy, and Problems faced by researchers in these areas are explored. The effectiveness and economic efficiency of psychotherapeutic preparation for surgery are strongly supported. Studies with overutilizers are promising, but randomized experiments are needed. Implications for inclusion of coverage of psychotherapy under national health insurance are discussed.

Revision, Replication and Neglect—Research on Maladjustment in Chronic Illness

“…In addition, as was stated earlier, various psychosocial interventions have been employed in an attempt to improve medical outcomes, such as diabetic control, the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, headaches, or symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (Olbrisch, 1977;Rinaldi, 1985). Nevertheless, some recent reviews highlight the paucity of sound evidence to help evaluate these interventions.…”

“…Nevertheless, some recent reviews highlight the paucity of sound evidence to help evaluate these interventions. The problem resides both with methodological inadequacies when evaluations have been carried out (Olbrisch, 1977;Nolan & Pless, 1986), but, more fundamentally, with the rarity of evaluative research in this area (Drotar, 1981;Drotar & Bush, 1985;Garfunkel, 1986;.…”

How psychology can improve effectiveness and reduce costs of health services.

“…Psychological treatments have been developed for disorders of the neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, genital, urinary, gastrointestinal, and dermatological systems of the body. Only a brief review of psychological treatments for disorders of these systems can be provided here; more complete descriptions are provided by Ferguson & Taylor (1980), Knapp &Peterson (1976), andOlbrisch (1977).…”