The Psychology of Illness : In Sickness and In Health

The Psychology of Illness: In Sickness and In Health serves as a guide for therapists working with chronically ill patients. It weaves together theory, clinical experience, case examples, and up-to-date research. The book's flexible approach involves several modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, pharmacological, and family treatments. This book teaches that therapists can help patients cope not only with the illness, but also with the complex relationships they will have with their physicians and the medical establishment. Dr. Druss's unique book is divided into two sections. The first section, "Sickness," focuses on the subjective experience of being chronically ill. The second, "Health," is concerned with health and the quality of life. This book includes such topics as "healthy denial" and programs for staying healthy, such as exercise.