Behavioral Medicine
Behavioral Medicine is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the biomedical, psychological, behavioral and social aspects of health & illness. It involves a wide range of health professionals including health psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians in all areas of practice, epidemiologists, exercise physiologists, health educators, nurses, and nutritionists. Behavioral Medicine targets the behavioral and psychological factors that have been linked to many of the leading causes of disease, disability, and death including heart disease, cancer, lung disease, diabetes, pain conditions. It also focuses on patients’ psychological adjustment to illness.
Loyola has numerous psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in Behavioral Medicine. Treatment tends to be shorter than traditional therapy and primarily uses a cognitive behavioral model (see Cognitive Behavioral Therapy link under ‘Specialty Services and Divisions" for more information) with a focus on the interplay between mental health and physical wellness and illness. The emphasis is on the alleviation of emotional and physical symptoms, and promotion of wellness.
Some examples of positive outcomes include:
- Prevent disease onset
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower serum cholesterol
- Reduce body fat
- Reverse atherosclerosis
- Decrease pain
- Reduce surgical complications
- Decrease complications of pregnancy
- Enhance immune response
- Increase relaxation
- Increase functional capacity
- Improve sleep
- Improve productivity at work and school
- Improve strength, endurance, and mobility
- Improve quality of life
Contact Us
For an appointment or for more information about Behavioral Medicine,
call (708) 216-3750.