Biopsychosocial Approach (biopsychosocial + approach)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Biopsychosocial Approach to Treating Self-Injurious Behaviors: An Adolescent Case Study

JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 3 2009
Mary Askew DNP
TOPIC:, Self-injurious behaviors (SIBs) are a common coping mechanism in the adolescent population. A marked increase in SIB has been seen in recent years, yet effective treatment remains elusive. PURPOSE:, This study aims to review current theoretical perspectives and treatment options that reflect a biopsychosocial framework. SOURCES:, Selected multidisciplinary literature related to SIB. CONCLUSIONS:, A 6-month multidisciplinary approach targeting the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of a 14-year-old girl in residential treatment led to the complete cessation of SIB. [source]


Mental health in patients with systemic sclerosis: a controlled investigation

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
A Mozzetta
Abstract Background Despite the undeniable impact of systemic sclerosis (SS) on quality of life, only a few studies so far have focused on its psychiatric or psychological aspects. We aimed at assessing psychiatric symptoms and self-image in inpatients with SS and comparing them with patients with either a very mild skin condition or a serious skin condition. Methods Three groups were recruited: (i) 38 consecutive female inpatients with SS; (ii) 38 age-matched female outpatients with melanocytic naevi; (iii) 35 age-matched female inpatients with melanoma. All participants completed the Zung Anxiety Scale, the Zung Depression Scale and a self-report questionnaire measuring self-perceived personal qualities. Patients with SS were also clinically interviewed by a psychologist. Results The clinical interview revealed the presence of a psychiatric disorder in most (81%) patients with SS. The Zung scales corroborated the presence of mild to moderate anxiety and depression among patients with SS, who scored significantly higher than patients with either naevi or melanoma on both scales. Scores on the questionnaire assessing self-perceived personal qualities were very similar in the three groups and indicated a fairly high level of self-esteem. Conclusions This study suggested that psychosocial issues are quite relevant in patients with SS and underscored the need for a biopsychosocial approach to the clinical management of these patients. Timely detection of psychosocial difficulties and appropriate psychological or psychiatric intervention may represent important steps toward better adherence to medical treatment and improved psychological well-being and quality of life. [source]


On the Difference Between Designing Children and Raising Them: Ethics and the Use of Educationally Oriented Biotechnology

MIND, BRAIN, AND EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010
Zachary Stein
The use of educationally oriented biotechnology has grown drastically in recent decades and is likely to continue to grow. Advances in both the neurosciences and genetics have opened up important areas of application and industry, from psychopharmacology to gene-chip technologies. This article reviews the current state of educationally oriented biological technologies, eventually focusing on the use of psychiatric drugs with children and adolescents to improve their academic performance. Distinguishing between "good" and "bad" uses of biological technologies is complicated by conflicting theoretical views about human development, the etiology of disability, and the diagnostic categories that structure treatments. To address these issues I introduce a set of ethical concepts, which are based on a biopsychosocial approach to human development. The difference between designing children and raising children marks an ethically salient difference between approaches that focus on only part of the child (e.g., her brain) and approaches that focus on the full biopsychosocial complexity of the developing child in context. This clarifies the importance of the child's right to both autonomy and care. Implications for policy and practice are offered. [source]


Strategies Used by Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses in Treating Adults With Depression

PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 4 2008
Evelyn Parrish APPN
PURPOSE.,Strategies used by psychiatric advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in treating clients with depression are described to explore their effectiveness. DESIGN AND METHODS.,Ten APRNs participated in semistructured individual interviews for this qualitative descriptive study. The use of either a symptom severity scale or symptom reduction checklist was used to measure the effectiveness of the strategies used. FINDINGS.,APRNs identified a biopsychosocial approach as the primary component of their treatment of clients with depression. Other strategies identified include psychopharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and partnering with the client. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.,Treatment of depression can be enhanced with the incorporation of the biopsychosocial strategies along with standard treatment modalities. [source]