The Psychology of Cardiovascular Illness

This important book shows those working with clinical populations how to develop an understanding of the psychology of patients with cardiovascular problems to support appropriate medical care. An understanding of the psychological underpinnings of physical illness can alter the way clinicians conceptualize their patients and the communities they serve. Based on the latest research, this book offers suggestions about how to approach cardiovascular disease holistically in multidisciplinary medical settings with competence and professionalism in mind.

With the escalating prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, this book flags the importance of understanding the psychological mechanisms at play in affected patients, highlighting the multifactorial pathways that lead to the development of physical health maladies and comorbid psychopathology. It describes the bidirectional relationship of cardiovascular disease with personality pathology and offers best practices in interacting between primary care, cardiology, psychologists, and other allied professionals. It also provides specific instruction about how to navigate the relationship with medical doctors while illustrating the unique ethical challenges or limitations of the health psychologist working with patients, their families, and providers in clinical practice. Moreover, it includes coverage of treatment plans taking into consideration individual differences in age, health status, and culture.

This book will be of interest to anyone interested in furthering their knowledge about the complex interplay between cardiovascular problems and mental health conditions, especially clinical health psychologists who collaborate with social workers, primary care physicians, cardiologists, and surgeons alike.

Mark P. Blanchard is a doctoral candidate at the University of Detroit Mercy, USA. His research and clinical interests include personality, trauma, psychotherapy process, and health psychology. He has taught as an adjunct faculty member and has serviced diverse and underserved patient populations in a large group practice and in Michigan-area hospital systems.

Steven Abell received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago, USA and is board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is a professor of psychology at the University of Detroit Mercy, USA and has published numerous scholarly articles in the areas of mental health treatment and cognitive assessment.