Biopsychosocial formulation

Question 1

What are predisposing factors?

Answer 1

areas of vulnerability that increase the risk for the presenting problem. e.g. family hx of mental illness

Question 2

What are Precipitating factors?

Answer 2

Stressors/events e.g. relationship conflicts, big changes

Question 3

What are perpetuating factors?

Answer 3

conditions in the patient, family, community, or larger systems that exacerbate rather than solve the problem. Examples include unaddressed relationship conflicts, lack of education, financial stresses, and unemployment

Question 4

What are protective factors?

Answer 4

Patients own areas of interest, competency and talents or things to “live for” e.g. a pet

Question 5

What is a psychiatric history and a family history of depression an example of?

Answer 5

Biological predisposing factor

Question 6

What is a sub-therapeutic dose of sertraline an example of?

Answer 6

Biological perpetuating factor

Question 7

What is a patient in a relationship with ongoing discord an example of?

Answer 7

Social precipitating factor