ABSTRACT
Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is an established evidence-based treatment for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (Nathan & Gorman, 1998), but CBT strategies also constitute a useful approach for dealing with a range of challenges to human functioning (e.g., time management, problem-solving). More recently, CBT has been applied in the health area, not only in dealing with mental health problems derived from the experience of physical illness, but also in improving the management of health problems that require adherence to medical treatments and lifestyle change regimes. This has been particularly evident in the area of chronic medical illness, where mental health problems are prevalent and known to harm quality of life and physical well-being, and where treatment adherence is usually necessary to maintain maximum function and long-term health outcomes. The present chapter reviews the literature on CBT interventions in medical illness, and covers a range of practical issues related to treatment. The techniques and strategies described are applicable to a range of common physical disorders and, although the chapter will focus mainly on diabetes, other medical conditions will be mentioned brie¯y.
