Psychological Adjustment

Health psychologists want to know how peoples' lives change following the diagnosis of terminal illness or injury. They have found that illnesses and other negative life events often make people feel badly about themselves. One third of hospitalized medical patients with chronic medical conditions also suffer from psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Many psychological components of medical illnesses are still understudied, and often overlooked.

Psychological states, such as anxiety and depression, can alter the adjustment to illnesses, thereby causing poor health practices and interfering with social functioning. Health psychologists stress the importance of identifying and treating psychological disorders in patients with chronic diseases. Good adjustment to chronic illness or life stressors is linked to increased attempts to gain control over one's health. Health psychologists believe it is important to educate people about variability in responses to negative life events because it allows friends and family to respond in more constructive ways.

The following are web sites pertaining to psychological adjustment:

Anxiety Disorders Association of America - The ADAA promotes the prevention and cure of anxiety disorders and works to improve the lives of all people who suffer from them.
Depression - Explains the different types of depression and the new alternative methods in treating them. This site also gives help to people living with a person suffering from depression.
Psychology Info Online - This web site explains depression and how it can destroy a person and their family.
Depression-net - States the statistics associated with depression.
Depression Treatments - Gives detailed information about the treatments of depression, the importance of medication, therapy, and the use of alternative methods.