Mechanisms of behavior modification in clinical behavioral medicine in China.
BACKGROUND
Behavior modification, as the core of clinical behavioral medicine, is often used in clinical settings.


OBJECTIVE
We seek to summarize behavior modification techniques that are commonly used in clinical practice of behavioral medicine in China and discuss possible biobehavioral mechanisms.


METHODS
We reviewed common behavior modification techniques in clinical settings in China, and we reviewed studies that explored possible biobehavioral mechanisms.


RESULTS
Commonly used clinical approaches of behavior modification in China include behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, health education, behavior management, behavioral relaxation training, stress management intervention, desensitization therapy, biofeedback therapy, and music therapy. These techniques have been applied in the clinical treatment of a variety of diseases, such as chronic diseases, psychosomatic diseases, and psychological disorders. The biobehavioral mechanisms of these techniques involve the autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine system, neurobiochemistry, and neuroplasticity.


CONCLUSIONS
Behavior modification techniques are commonly used in the treatment of a variety of somatic and psychological disorders in China. Multiple biobehavioral mechanisms are involved in successful behavior modification.
Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Jining Medical University, No. 16 Hehua Road, Jining Beihu New District, Shandong, 272067, China, yzy.0216@263.net.
Zhiyin
Z
Yang
Zhonghua
Z
Su
Feng
F
Ji
Min
M
Zhu
Bo
B
Bai
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002681:China; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods