MODULE 7
Definition
A long-lasting condition that usually can't be cured completely, requiring ongoing
medical care and lifestyle management.
Table 2: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Category Details
A condition where coronary arteries (supplying blood to the heart)
Definition become narrowed/blocked due to plaque buildup, restricting blood
flow.
- Chest pain (angina)
Major - Shortness of breath
Symptoms - Fatigue
- Heart attack (severe cases)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Stress test
Diagnosis
- Angiography
- Blood tests (cholesterol/inflammation)
Table 3: Psychological Correlates of CHD
Psychological
Definition & Influence on CHD
Factor
Chronic stress increases cortisol, damaging arteries and
Stress
worsening heart health.
Strongly linked to higher CHD risk and poor recovery post-heart
Depression
attack.
Competitive, aggressive traits associated with elevated CHD risk
Hostility (Type A)
(Friedman & Rosenman, 1974).
Lack of Social Poor social ties correlate with worse outcomes after cardiac
Support events.
Increases heart rate and blood pressure, straining the
Anxiety
cardiovascular system.
Table 4: Diabetes Mellitus
Category Details
A metabolic disorder where the body fails to produce (Type 1) or
Definition
properly use insulin (Type 2), causing high blood glucose.
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst/hunger
Major
- Fatigue
Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Fasting blood sugar test
Diagnosis - HbA1c test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
Table 5: Psychological Correlates of Diabetes
Psychological
Definition & Influence on Diabetes
Factor
Stress Raises blood sugar levels and reduces insulin effectiveness.
Twice as common in diabetics; linked to poor self-care
Depression
(Anderson et al., 2001).
Diabetes Burnout Emotional exhaustion from relentless disease management.
Non-Adherence Skipping medications increases complications and distress.
Common in Type 1 diabetics (teens/young adults) due to insulin
Body Image Issues
dependence.
Table 6: Psychological Interventions for CHD & Diabetes
Intervention Type Definition & Techniques Goal
Therapy to challenge negative Reduce depression, improve
CBT
thoughts. adherence.
Mindfulness, relaxation Lower BP and stress
Stress Management
exercises. hormones.
Sessions on disease Empower patients with
Health Education
info/lifestyle changes. knowledge.
Intervention Type Definition & Techniques Goal
Peer/family therapy for shared
Support Groups Boost emotional support.
coping.
Behavioral
Habit tracking, reward systems. Promote healthy habits.
Modification
Table 7: Key Research Findings
Study Findings
Friedman & Rosenman
Type A behavior (hostility) increases CHD risk.
(1974)
Psychosocial interventions reduce heart problem
Rozanski et al. (1999)
recurrence.
Anderson et al. (2001) Depression is twice as prevalent in diabetics.
Gonzalez et al. (2008) Depression predicts poor glucose control in diabetes.
Table 8: Final Takeaways
Concept Summary
Chronic Nature CHD and Diabetes require lifelong management.
Psychological Stress, depression, and social support significantly impact
Role outcomes.
Holistic Care Bio-psycho-social interventions improve health results.
