The initiatives are fortunate to have task force members who are eminent scholars in their area of expertise and who represent the diversity of American psychology. We want to translate the language of psychology and health into everyday, useful language that promotes healthy lives. Inform the public of psychology's contributions to health. Each initiative is also developing a component that uses new technology. Social and biobehavioral approach to health Today despite the volumes of statistics demonstrating the benefits of removing the line between mental health and health, the percent of the health dollar spent for mental health is down.
Emotional conditions affect physical health.
Women who experience major depression have a nearly fourfold risk of developing breast cancer within the next 13 years. Primary physicians and specialists often are unaware of the emotional distress of their patients. Yet, psychology has been unable to be reimbursed for appropriate involvement with patients with primary health problems. The Practice Directorate has been working on this and Psychology's leadership in the health field. National leaders like Ruth Kirschstein, NIH Acting Director unequivocally listed social and cultural factors as central for the prevention and treatment of disease.