The Effects of a Positive Attitude on Patients

The Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine notes that as far back as 400 B.C. Hippocrates recognized the positive attitude aspects of healing. However, keeping a positive attitude when faced with a serious illness is definitely not easy. A catastrophic health problem is both frightening and challenging. A patient that deals with the problem positively not only wants to live, but has have reasons to live. A health care provider's actions can also have a positive or negative impact on the patient's attitude.

Spiritual and Religious Effect

• Shock, along with fear and panic, upon being diagnosed with a life threatening illness, can hasten the deterioration of health. Spiritual or religious belief can instill hope and optimism in people. According to the National Cancer Institute, "Some studies show that spiritual or religious beliefs and practices create a positive mental attitude that may help a patient feel better and improve the well-being of family caregivers." The connection the patient has with himself, with others, and his personal values are a part of his spirituality and link to inner peace.

Anxiety and Depression Relief

• The effect of a positive attitude during a serious illness may increase a patient's life span through lowering the rates of depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health." Positive patient thinking during treatment for illness may build up greater resistance to the disease and react favorably with the treatment.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being

• Positive doctor attitude can instill psychological and other emotional well-being in the patient. The doctor should take the time to fully explain the patient's condition, treatment options, and long-term outlook. Answering the patient's questions reduces patient apathy and apprehension. Because of the Internet, patients also have better access to medical information. A patient can inform and educate himself on his condition. Physicians no longer have exclusive possession of medical knowledge. As pointed out in The Journal of Medical Internet Research, "Defensive attitudes may arise from the Internet having a 'leveling effect' on access to information and, subsequently, on the patient-physician relationship."

  Good or bad mental health has much impact on a patient's well-being and physical healing.