Welcome to Behavioral Science!

Tewfik Daradkeh, MD Professor of Psychiatry Jordan University of Science & Technology Faculty of Medicine

Unique Challenges: Relevance?

Most of you will not ultimately pursue a career in behavioral medicine (Psychiatry, etc.). How do I make this material relevant to your practice?
Preconceptions about its importance in general medical education

This is Your Course

You are the motivation, driving force behind it Course is Dynamic- changes will be made in response to your feedback/ input
Formal (real-time evaluations) and Informal- emails, comments, etc.
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Additional Challenges in Behavioral Science

Stigma Negative Biases Misconceptions and Bad Press

HB: Goals and Objectives

Explore major influences on Behavior:

Biological, Psychological, Social, Behavioral, and Cultural

Examine Development throughout the Lifecycle By Development were talking about social, cognitive, psychological/emotional development, NOT embryology or organogenesis

Goals and Objectives

Survey major categories of Psychopathology Explore modalities of treatment, including Psychotherapy

Additional Goals and Objectives

Gain comfort interacting with psychiatric patients Erase misconceptions about Psychiatry and psychiatric patients

Additional Goals and Objectives

Understand the reality of the stigma of mental illness Try to work past that stigma

Course Overview

Course consists of lectures (seminars), and 1 Standardized Patient Activity

Lecture attendance VERY VERY STRONGLY encouraged

Preview- Section I Outline

Bio-Psycho-Social Model Psychodynamic Theories of Behavior Learning Theories and Behavior Biological Basis for Behavior Human Development

Grading

2 written exams, Plus performance in Small Groups Exams will cover lecture content, and any readings specifically designated

Biopsychosocial Approach to Medicine

Psychiatry and all Medical Specialties

Bio-psycho-social Defined
Diagnosis and treatment based on attention to the underlying biological processesAS WELL AS... Psychological, Social, and Cultural factors

Advantages of the Biopsychosocial Approach

Holistic, comprehensive Considers all aspects of functioning
Not just the illness

Emphasis on what makes a patient unique

Biological Factors

Underlying pathophysiology and predisposition (or risk factors) to illness

Biological Factors
Family History of Psychiatric or other medical illnesses Substance Use- medications, over the counter treatments, drugs of abuse, toxins, etc. Personal History of physical/ psychiatric illness

Biological Factors
State Characteristics (things that dont change)- may predispose to particular illness/conditions
Race Age Gender

Psychological Factors

Developmental influences/events Losses (esp. early on) Trauma (esp. early on)

Psychological Factors
Impact of early relationships (parents, siblings, others during development) How do past experiences affect our current relationships and coping skillsaka- emotional baggage

Socio-cultural Factors
Socio-Economic-Status (SES)/ Finances Occupational functioning Stability of current relationships Support System

Socio-cultural Factors
Recent Trauma/ Losses Cultural or Religious Problems Legal problems Current living situation
Understanding the patient in their current environment and its challenges