The work of the clinical psychologist with physically ill patients

Abstract

According to the biopsychosocial approach currently prevailing in health science, biological (genetic, hormonal), psychological (thinking, feelings, behaviors) and social (socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural) factors contribute to the pathogenesis, persistence, or prognosis of diseases (Wade & Halligan, 2017). The relationship between physical and mental illnesses is bidirectional: some chronic somatic conditions can elevate the risk of mental disorders, and mental disorders can affect health status, treatment, and outcomes (Prince et al., 2007). CHRONIC PHYSICAL ILLNESSES AND COMORBID MENTAL DISORDERSAmong people with chronic illness, the most common mental disorders are depression (two to three times more common than in the general population;