Seattle, July 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Up to 70 percent of primary care visits are driven by psychological and/or social factors, but primary health care providers often do not spend adequate time addressing these issues. Naturopathic doctors recognize individual behavior as one of the most important influencers of your health, and complete an average of 150 hours of behavioral medicine education in medical school. This is according to the Institute for Natural Medicine (INM), which today released a new FAQ in partnership with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
In addition to diet, exercise, and other lifestyle behaviors, social, economic and cultural factors are often at the root of preventable chronic disease. Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs), who are trained to treat the whole person, take the time to address multiple causes of health concerns. They utilize a broad range of therapies including dietary and lifestyle interventions, stress reduction, psychotherapy, and counseling.
Behavioral medicine curriculum is covered in a series of rigorous courses in naturopathic medical schools, whose accreditation is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Areas of concentration include:
- patient-physician interaction
- psychopathology
- lifestyle and behavior change
- counseling
- addictions and disorders
- nervous system and mental health
- social and cultural issues in healthcare
“When you see a naturopathic doctor, they will take the time to understand your concerns and symptoms in the context of your lifestyle, behavior, and social-cultural environment,” said Michelle Simon, PhD, ND and Chair of the INM Board of Directors. “Going far beyond treating physical symptoms, NDs engage patients step-by-step to make enduring lifestyle and behavior changes that improve outcomes and lower health care costs.”
The complete FAQ “What advanced training do naturopathic doctors have in behavioral medicine?” can be found here.
About the Institute for Natural Medicine
The Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides public education about naturopathic medicine and increases consumer access to naturopathic doctors. As a close partner to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the INM strives to increase consumer and physician choice in safe, effective healthcare that improves patient outcomes and lowers costs. For more information visit www.naturemed.org or call 855-799-4490.
About the AANP
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is the professional association that represents licensed naturopathic physicians. The AANP strives to make naturopathic medicine available to every American, and to increase recognition of naturopathic physicians as the identified authorities on natural medicine. Learn more at www.naturopathic.org.
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