Behavior Therapy in Primary Care

by Richard France

In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the importance of psychological factors in the treatment of physical illness. There has also been a recent widespread reaction against the excessive use of psychotropic medication as a method of treating emotional and social problems. As a result, general practitioners and primary health care workers have reconsidered their approach to psychological problems. The aim of this book is to provide a practical manual for those with limited time at their disposal, but who wish to use behavioral methods with their patients or clients. The interventions described are deliberately short in order to be realistic and effective. There is emphasis on work that can be done outside consultation time and on teaching self-help skills. The book is aimed particularly at general practitioners and students of this specialty, as well as clinical psychologists who are new to primary care work. It will also be of interest to nurses, social workers and other non-specialist practitioners in this field.

Paperback

Published December 1, 1986