ABSTRACT
In applying the Biopsychosocial Model to psychosocial and behavioral problems, we begin with a careful assessment of the resident’s mental and physical functioning. Without an initial multidisciplinary assessment, we risk plunging into interventions that may not address the most important causes of the problem. In addition, we may attempt interventions that do not account for the resident’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, attempting psychotherapy with a depressed resident who has very poor recent memory may not be helpful, because the resident cannot recall what was discussed during a session. On the other hand, if that resident displayed good attention and concentration, she might be able to focus on simple activities which might elevate her mood.
