Concept and definition of medical psychology

TORRES ALVARADO EMILIANO

CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY

State the more relevant historical moment of the origin of medical psychology

• 1892, Hartman published “The fundamental principles for the psychology of Thought”, marking the advancement between neurology and psychology
• 1892, William James establishes a connection and considerers psychophysiological processes as important foundations
• 1924, Paul Schilder affirmed that medical psychology should take an interest in aspects of experimental psychology and understand the relationships between the mind and the body
• 1944, psychology is included for the first time as a subject in medicine due to the work of Ortega and Gasset

Elaborate the definition of psychology

The science that studies human function, involving processes of behavior, sensations, perceptions, emotions, episodes in the life and other subjective mental process

Own definition of Medical Psychology

Generate interest in the physician, being of the important for proper diagnosis and treatment in patients, and providing the best doctor-patient relationship

Describes 5 points of confluence between medical psychology and psychiatry

• It can encompass subjetivity, asses behaviors, and clarify motivations even if they are pathological
• For its development, neuroscience and social sciences are necessary
• Focus on the mental and emotional well being of patients to providfe holistic treatments
• They conducts assessments and diagnoses of patients to understand their medical and psychological conditions
• Work to the promotion of mental and emotional health, addressing the managments of emotions and the subjective asped

Importance of the clinical praxis of medical psychology

Praxis is a crucial skill for carrying out daily activities and for a person's general well-being. In the context of medical psychology, the assessment and management of praxis are critical to understanding cognitive and motor function, diagnosing potential disorders, and providing comprehensive patient care.

SOAP

Topic: BRAIN DAMAGE SUBSEQUENT TO POORLY CONTROLLED HYPERTENSION

SUBJECTIVE

A 65-year-old patient presents to the emergency department for severe headaches, frequent dizziness, weakness on the right side of the body and difficulty speaking. The family has also noticed that he has been confused and disoriented on several occasions.

The patient has a history of uncontrolled hypertension, which has been present for several years. You have not been taking medicine to control your blood pressure. No other significant medical history is seen in his history.

OBJECTIVE

During the physical examination, it was observed that the patient had an elevated blood pressure (190/110 mmHg). He had weakness in his right limb, with difficulty moving his arm and leg on the right side. The patient's language was altered, with difficulties forming words and expressing himself clearly. Some confusion and disorientation was also noted.

The results of the neurological evaluation showed deficits in motor and sensory function on the right side of the body, suggesting hemiparesis. In addition, difficulties in language skills, such as word formation and comprehension, were observed.

ANALYSIS

Imaging studies, including a brain MRI, revealed signs of acute brain damage in the left hemisphere. Areas of ischemia and edema in brain tissue were identified.

Blood tests will be done to assess cholesterol and blood glucose levels, as these factors can contribute to hypertension. Kidney function tests will also be performed to assess the impact of hypertension on internal organs.

The patient presents with an acute cerebrovascular event due to uncontrolled hypertension, which has resulted in focal brain damage. The damage appears to be located in the left hemisphere and is affecting motor, sensory and language function.

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