Psychology in the Service of the Ill: A Review

Psychology was, traditionally, seen as a vehicle to treat the psychologically troubled and psychiatrically ill. However, psychology can be very helpful in assisting the ill, lightening their psychological angst and emotional burden. This narrative review offers a bird’s eye view of the contribution of psychology in treating a variety of illnesses, such as cancer, CHD, diabetes, epilepsy, HIV, and chronic pain. Treatment approaches and their efficacy are discussed and explained. The studies and reviews that are covered here highlight the benefit of psychological treatment interventions when physical illness strikes, and are important in that they serve as a reminder—not only for healthcare professionals, but for the public at large—as to the contribution of attending to the ill’s emotional and cognitive functioning when attempting to control or even eliminate illness.