Behavioral psychotherapy applications in the medically ill

Behavioral psychotherapy may promote physical health and treat some behavior-linked medical conditions. Prevention of risk factors, and relapse through self-management, the development of a healthy life-style and the possibility to use its technology in the community at a relatively low cost are emphasized. Controlled studies suggest its effectiveness in cardiovascular diseases, headaches, stuttering, alcoholism, pain and bulimia nervosa. Cancer, psychoneuroimmunology and AIDS are under investigation. Psychogeriatrics in an emerging field. More basic research is needed to establish firmly the theoretical underpinnings of behavioral medicine including a cognitive component and to extend its practice to medical staff.