Tense, stressed, sleepless? Try BHOP

  • Published
  • By Dr. Diane L. Todd
  • 22nd Medical Operations Squadron clinical psychologist
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  People go to the doctor because there is something going on they want fixed. They might have a headache, a nagging pain in the neck, trouble sleeping or concentrating, or an upset stomach that won't go away. They don't feel good.

Sixty percent of patients who present problems to primary care physicians at the clinic here have no identifiable medical reason for their complaints. The most common complaints are trouble relaxing, sleeping and reducing stress.

Some physicians prescribe medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills to help people with these conditions. However, 60 to 70 percent of patients prescribed these medications stops taking them before consuming the recommended amount.

For this reason, the McConnell medical clinic offers an alternative solution for people who have trouble winding down, sleeping and decreasing stress. It's called the Behavioral Health Optimization Program. The BHOP teaches patients relaxation techniques, ways to improve falling and staying asleep, and methods for stress reduction.

It's not run by primary care physicians. It's offered by licensed social workers and psychologists who are trained in targeted treatment for the common issues previously mentioned.

Airmen don't have to wait until they feel overwhelmed to use the BHOP program. The program is geared toward people suffering all stages of stress.

Airmen do preventative maintenance on cars and exercise to prepare for the physical challenges of a military career. They can use BHOP, in the same fashion, to maintain peace of mind and promote positive behavior.

The clinic is like a supercenter for medical care now that the BHOP is underway. People shop at supercenters to get the convenience of having multiple services grouped together. They go to one store where they can buy a new hammer, groceries and school supplies. Folks can use the clinic the same way. The clinic offers physical health assessments and treatments for illnesses and injuries, and it provides trained professionals who help patients eliminate undesirable habits and behaviors.

Patients need a referral from their primary care physicians to enroll in the BHOP program and are often seen the day they are referred. They spend about 30 minutes with a BHOP provider answering a few questions. The questions enable providers to get a feel for the patient's situation, make some recommendations and put together a treatment plan. After each appointment, BHOP providers follow-up with their patient's primary care physician to discuss the recommended treatment plan.

Patients interested in the BHOP program should make an appointment with their primary care physician by calling the appointment line at 316-759-6300.

Patients needing a follow-up BHOP appointment should call the appointment line and ask for a BHOP appointment.