Implications of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in Changing Illness Representations
Implications of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in Changing Illness Representations

Summary/Abstract: Objectives: Due to the obvious links between representations about the disease and health outcomes, the interest of researchers is to develop interventions aimed to correct dysfunctional beliefs about the disease, in order to improve the condition of patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a proper theoretical basis for the formulation of such programs. Our goal was to identify the state of knowledge on the implementation and effectiveness of such programs, highlighting their main features.Methods: We have analyzed studies that have implemented interventions for restructuring representations about the disease, based on cognitive behavioral therapy.Results: Research on the implications of cognitive-behavioral therapy on illness perceptions is still in the early stages; mostly protocols of future studies have been published. However, the results are promising. In general, such interventions have a number of 4 to 10 sessions that can be provided individually, group-based, or mixed, aiming to form accurate representations of the disease to patients by providing information through direct interaction of the specialist with the patient or through written material.Conclusions: The CBT interventions may determine beneficial modifications of the symptoms and coping strategies in pacients, with beneficial effects on the evolution of health. Though they are still in the beginning stage, research findings are promising and – beyond any doubt – cognitive-behavioural therapy is worthy of attention from researchers investigating patients’ illness representations

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