Interdisciplinary psychology combines psychology, cognitive science, and biology to treat patients holistically. Practitioners understand that physical and mental health are interrelated, and seek to discover how the workings of the mind affect and are affected by biological processes.
Interdisciplinary psychology is the study of psychology as it relates to other areas of human experience. As the field of psychology grows, more scientists are beginning to realize that many human illnesses and behaviors can be caused or affected by psychological processes. Psychologists are also discovering that medical conditions and chemical imbalances can cause or exacerbate psychological problems. Most practitioners of interdisciplinary psychology seek to discover how the workings of the mind affect and are affected by biological processes.
Those who practice interdisciplinary psychology often combine psychological practices with the study of cognitive science and biology. Psychology is the study of emotions, behavior and what things affect the development of these traits. Cognitive science examines brain development and how people learn, and focuses heavily on the biology of the brain. Biology looks at the inner workings of the entire body, from the largest organ systems to the tiny organelles within each cell in the body.
When combined, these three disciplines help practitioners treat patients holistically rather than looking at just one part of them. Interdisciplinary psychology understands that no part of human health or the human experience can be completely isolated from the others. For example, a young person being treated for depression may be depressed because of a newly discovered learning disability. The psychologist’s job here is not only to find out why the young man feels depressed, but also to help him correct it. Cognitive science could help this young man overcome his disability, which could improve his psyche.
Biology may be needed in the above situation if the young person’s depression stems from an acute food allergy or other physical disability. The psychologist finds out about the young man’s discomfort and can recommend ways to overcome it. Obviously, overcoming a physical or mental handicap may not completely cure the patient, but interdisciplinary psychology asserts that these things are interrelated. If a young person does not feel normal, healthy or comfortable, he or she may not be able to overcome mental impairments, whether or not they are caused by physical problems.
Doctors can also be well-versed in interdisciplinary psychology to help their patients. Those who cannot function normally tend to become frustrated, depressed, and sometimes apathetic. Psychology helps these patients avoid this downward spiral through encouraging words and creative exercises. If patients are psychologically healthy during convalescence, they are more likely to recover faster and more fully.
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