About My Approach - Radical Psychiatrist

Bio•psycho•social•spiritual diagnosis and treatment

Years ago George Engle of the University of Rochester coined the term Biopsychosocial. Many since have recognized that the spiritual aspect of our souls is as important as the biological, psychological, and social. We are ONE, as fragmented as we may start out feeling within ourselves and with one another.

• Biological diagnosis includes understanding our

a) genetic inheritance. What strengths and weaknesses did we get from our parents? Can these be modified?

b) medications, drugs, and their interactions. What are we taking or could take that might affect how we think and feel?

c) nutritional needs. What are we doing to take care of our bodies and minds through nutrition, vitamins, minerals, supplements?

d) physical health. What diseases might be contributing to our mental health? Are we anemic? Having hormonal problems? Getting enough exercise and sunshine?

• Psychological diagnosis includes assessing our

a) communication styles. Do we beat up on ourselves or blame the other person, or are we willing to look realistically at what we want and what we've got?

b) coping skills. What ways have we learned to survive in this world? Are they working for us now at this time and in this place?

c) motivation to get well. Do we want to be cured, and/or are we willing to change our ways at all for the sake of improvement?

• Social diagnosis includes looking at

a) family of origin. How did others treat us when we were growing up and what unresolved issues do we have with them?

b) present family. How are others treating us now, how are we treating them, and what unresolved issues do we have with them?

c) family of choice. With whom do we interact on a regular basis? Are we being supported and lifted up, or put down and discouraged by those around us?

• Spiritual diagnosis involves an investigation of

a) faith. What do we believe about matters of life and death and the meaning and purpose of existence?

b) faith practice. How do we incorporate the teachings we receive into our every day life?

c) fortitude. What keeps us going when things get rough? Can we expect resistance, setbacks and/or relapses after we've improved in some way?

d) freedom. Do we feel the freedom to be ourselves? Do we give others the same freedom to be themselves and love and accept them as they are?

e) identity. What is our true nature, who are we and what is our work on earth? What were we brought here to do?