The definition and scope of behavioral medicine: discussion, summary and revision

Abstract

Background and Purpose There is a need to update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine in the Charter of ISBM, as the present version was developed more than 25 years ago. The purpose of the present paper is (i) to provide a summary of the international discussion on the proposal for the update of the definition and scope of behavioral medicine; and (ii) to invite Chinese colleagues to contribute to this discussion. Methods We identify issues which need clarification or updating. This leads us to propose an update of the definition and scope of behavioral medicine. Results Issues in need of clarification or updating include the scope of behavioral medicine; the application of behavioral medicine; and the relationship and distinction between behavioral medicine, mental health, health psychology and psychosomatic medicine. Conclusion We propose the following updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine: 'Behavioral medicine can be defined as the field characterized by the collaboration among multiple disciplines concerned with the development and integration of biomedical and behavioral knowledge relevant to health and disease, and the application of this knowledge to prevention, health promotion, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and care. The scope of behavioral medicine extends from bio-behavioral mechanisms (i.e. the interaction among biomedical, psychological, social, societal, cultural and environmental processes related to health and disease), to clinical diagnosis and intervention, and to public health. We invite Chinese colleagues to contribute to the continued discussion on the definition and scope of behavioral medicine. Key words: Behavioral medicine; Definition; Scope; Discipline