There is ample evidence from human and animal studies demonstrating the downward modulation of immune function concomitant with a variety of stressors. As a consequence, the possible enhancement of immune function by behavioral strategies has generated considerable interest. Researchers have used a number of diverse strategies to modulate immune function, including relaxation, hypnosis, exercis...

Epidemiological studies have shown psychological ill-being to be a strong and independent risk factor for both the development and worsening prognosis of coronary heart disease. Psychological intervention trials have attempted to decrease psychological ill-being in order to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Results from these studies, however, are mixed. Evidence from recent epidemiological stud...

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death globally, although mortality rates are falling. Psychological symptoms are prevalent for people with CHD, and many psychological treatments are offered following cardiac events or procedures with the aim of improving health and outcomes. This is an update of a Cochrane systematic review previously published in 2011. OBJ...

Conscientiousness is commonly conceptualized as a personality trait that reflects tendencies to be disciplined, goal oriented, self-controlled, responsible to others, hardworking, orderly, and rule following. Higher levels of conscientiousness reliably predict a host of desirable life outcomes, including longevity and better health throughout the life span. Given the consistently positive relat...

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may be helpful in preventing relapse in those with three or more depressive episodes. Recent research suggests it may also benefit those who have experienced fewer previous episodes of depression. If confirmed, this raises challenges of how MBCT is offered, accessed and supported.

Introduction 308 Significance of the problem 309 Psychological influences on children’s acute pain 309 Developmental considerations 311 Ethnic and cultural considerations 311 Management 312 Preparation 312 Distraction 313 Relaxation 313 Breathing techniques 314 Hypnosis 315 Guided imagery 316 Combined cognitive and behavioral interventions 317 Parental involvement in acute pain management 318 C...

INTRODUCTION The world's population is often assailed by crises of various orders. Disasters caused by nature and by humans themselves also impact on people's mental health. Psychological crises, such as suicide attempts, represent a growing problem in mental health. When faced with such scenarios, specific strategies of crisis intervention are both appropriate and necessary. OBJECTIVE To con...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To evaluate recent literature on psychological interventions in cardiovascular disease. RECENT FINDINGS Mindfulness-based stress reduction did not reduce blood pressure, and a self-management programme in heart failure patients (HART), showed no improvement in health-related quality of life. Web-based decision aids are as effective as individually tailored counseling at redu...

This subject is of interest as asthma has increased over the last two decades. Despite therapeutic advances, morbidity and mortality are increasing (Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA], 2010), particularly due to the development of western standards of living, where psychological factors have regained notability (Busse et al., 2000). This brings about a worsening in psychological factors and qu...