Living Well with Asthma

by Freedman, Michael R.; Rosenberg, Samuel J.; Divino, Cynthia L.

• ISBN13: 9781572303188
• ISBN10: 1572303182
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-02-13
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

Meeting the needs of a growing clinical population, this reader-friendly, practical book offers a lifeline to asthma patients attempting to understand and cope with the psychological ramifications of their illness and its treatment. From embarrassment about the use of medications, to anxiety, body image problems, and problems in family functioning, the book is packed with real-life stories of commonly encountered problems and step-by-step strategies for solving them. Readers learn to: *Identify and break free of faulty beliefs about asthma*Cope with the emotional aftermath of diagnosis*Collaborate with family members to solve asthma-related problems*Manage occupational problems*Maintain a healthy social life--and sex life*Develop effective partnerships with doctors*Locate relevant books, newsletters, websites, and organizations (listed in a handy appendix).

Author Biography

Michael R. Freedman, PhD, teaches psychology at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he also maintains a private practice. Formerly, Dr. Freedman was Chief of Adult Clinical Psychology at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, where he specialized in treating patients with asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
James D. Crapo, MD
Introduction	1	(8)
Part I. You Are Not Alone...	9	(26)
1. "Asthma: It's Just a Breathing Problem, Right?"	9	(26)
Part II. ...But You May Feel Alone	35	(60)
2. "My Body Feels Out of Control!"	35	(19)
3. "Of Course I'm Upset; My Life Is Ruined!"	54	(12)
4. "I Use My Inhaler in the Bathroom."	66	(12)
5. "My Normal Lifestyle Isn't Over After All--I'm Stronger and Happier Than Ever!"	78	(17)
Part III. Family Adaptation to Asthma	95	(64)
6. The Flexible Family	95	(30)
7. A Healthy Sex Life with Asthma	125	(12)
8. How to Live with an Asthmatic Child	137	(22)
Part IV. Living Well in the Wider World	159	(36)
9. Asthma on the Job	159	(13)
10. A Rich and Rewarding Social Life	172	(9)
11. "I Like My Doctor, But..."	181	(14)
Appendix	195	(12)
Books	195	(1)
Newsletters	196	(1)
Organizations	197	(1)
On-Line Resources	197	(3)
Activities	200	(3)
Letter to Health Care Professionals	203	(4)
Index	207