Alternatives to drug therapies are particularly valuable to elderly populations, who are often suffering from overmedication and numerous side effects of various drugs and drug interactions. Psychologists contribute to the care of patients suffering from chronic illnesses through a variety of interventions. Breast cancer patients who participate in group psychotherapy are known to survive longer than those who do not. Pre-surgical psychological counseling is associated with fewer complications and a reduction in medication utilization. Diabetic adolescents are able to maintain the discipline of diet and insulin treatments through psychotherapy.
Psychological interventions help cancer patients cope with the side effects of chemotherapy.
Individual, group, and family psychological interventions are effective for depression, anxiety, and other adjustment issues surrounding chronic illness which affect quality of life. Psychologists help patients develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors, which are effective in reducing the factors associated with the development of illness. Increasingly, physicians and other health care professionals turn to psychologists for their diagnostic capabilities. These diagnostic services detect functional impairment and assess the prognosis for improvement or deterioration in functioning. Psychologists apply these results and develop rehabilitative services and treatment.