Mental health and physical health (Including HIV/AIDS)

Date
2008
Authors
Kagee, Ashraf
Freeman, Melvyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Report 2001, over the past 20 years a fundamental and inseparable connection between mental and physical health has been convincingly established (WHO, 2001). Both mental and physical health are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviour have a major impact on physical health. Conversely, physical health has an important influence on mental health and wellbeing. The report notes two critical pathways through which this occurs: Physiological systems such as neuro-endocrine and immune functioning and health behaviour. These pathways are not independent: Behaviour may affect physiology, while physiological functioning may in turn affect health behaviour. In this article, we examine the historical shift that has occurred from a dualistic conception of health and illness to the bio-psychosocial model that emphasizes an integration of mind and body. We explore this interrelationship using the examples of somatoform disorder, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Finally, we focus on some of the somatic manifestations of mental illness.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123739605000459
Keywords
Mental health, Physical health, Bio-psychosocial model, Somatoform disorders
Citation
Kagee, A. & Freeman, M. 2008. Mental Health and Physical Health (Including HIV/AIDS), International Encyclopedia of Public Health, 4: 354-364, doi.org/10.1016/B978-012373960-5.00045-9.