Author Description

Product Description This handbook brings together the full weight of contemporary evidence bearing on what is now commonly termed “psycho-cardiology”. It focuses on the role of psycho-social factors in the genesis and clinical management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The book constitutes a critically reviewed compendium of current knowledge in the area, coupled with guides to evidence-based best practice in the field of psycho-cardiology. The following categories are covered: Social/demographic risk for CVD, Personality and CVD risk, Stress and CVD risk, Psychopathology (particularly affective disorders) and CVD risk, The psychological management of those with clinical CVD, Psychology in the prevention of CVD. The book integrates the evidence into a compelling argument that clinicians, researchers and those in public health will discount the role of psychological factors in regard to CVD at their own peril. And importantly for clinicians charged with the care of patients with CVD, the book poses the argument that failure to recognize the links between psychological factors and CVD may well be at the considerable peril of those patients under their care. About the Author Dr Marlies Alvarenga – Clinical Psychologist, Adjunct Senior Lecturer with Monash University’s School of Public Health and past Director of the Monash Psychology Centre at the School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University. She is also an Academic Research Fellow with the BakerIDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute.Professor Don Byrne – Professor Byrne graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1975 with a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology, Head of the Department of Psychology, and Director of the School of Health and Psychological Sciences, at the Australian National University in Canberra.