Pain is not just a physical sensation, it is processed in the brain and influenced by emotions, fear, anxiety, and beliefs. When a patient says I’m in pain; it reflects both the physical and psychological experiences.
Therefore, Psychology isn’t a soft add on to medicines.
It plays a crucial role in modern healthcare system. Understanding a patient’s psychological state that helps the healthcare professionals provide whole person care, which improves treatment outcomes and enhances overall recovery of the patient.
Patients- often face fear, anxiety, depression, and stress due to their medical conditions. for ex: cancer patients frequently experience anxiety about their treatment outcomes, oncologist monitors treatment, but nobody asks how do you feel now? do you feel alone?
Providing emotional support to the patient can reduce their stress, anxiety and help them get better.
Health behavior like diet, exercise, medication- are strongly influenced by psychology.
Managing stress: chronic disease like diabetes, are often cause long term stress. specialized stress management trainings and psychological therapies are essential for those patients who are suffering from long term stress and motivating the patients toward positive recovery goals.
What psychological support actually does.
Reduces pre surgery anxiety
Improve medication adherence
Better response to the treatment
Activates hormonal response.
But in India psychology is still seen as it is only for mental illness. but millions go through surgeries, are completely unsupported.
Medicines - saves lives.
Psychology- make medicine works better.
MBH/PS