Describes how perception, thinking, emotions, and memory combine to produce cognitive appraisals and behavior. Outlines the causes, components, and management of psychological stress. Defines resilience and explain the factors that compose the ability to “bounce back” from stressful events. Lists the major components of the positive-psychology approach to increasing life satisfaction. Identifies the elements of happiness and optimism and how to apply them to increase well-being. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.

Describes how personality types, core beliefs, and behavioral habits affect chronic illness. Discusses the most common chronic illnesses and the key factors in prevention and management. Explains how stress, anxiety, and depression influence chronic illnesses. Describes practical behavioral habits for coping with disabling chronic conditions like pain, cancer, arthritis, and other diseases. Lists ways to help patients develop healthier habits in terms of nutrition, activity, preventive medical and dental care, and emotional well-being. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, and other health professions.

Describes the main brain functions that contribute to addictive behavior. Explains the major ways that addiction changes the brains of addicts. Describes how drugs mimic and alter neurotransmitters which provoke the psychological effects of addiction. Explains the difference between drug dependence, tolerance, and addiction. Describes the clinical consequences of addiction to food, opioids, street drugs, and alcohol. Lists and compare the major treatment options for legal and illegal drug addictions. Describes how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Describes, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, and other health professions.