A case study of depression: A holistic exploration through the lens of biopsychosocial dynamics

Abstract

Abstract: Depression is a complex mental health condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Psychiatric social workers play a crucial role in conducting comprehensive assessments and implementing interventions to address the multi-dimensional nature of depression. This case study seeks to evaluate the psychosocial factors associated with a case of depression and to implement an intervention based on the biopsychosocial approach. This single subject case study explores the effectiveness of the bio-psycho-social model in comprehending depression and its treatment through psychiatric social work intervention. The study employs a pre- and post intervention baseline assessment, utilizing tools such as social history Performa, family assessment device, Beck depression inventory, Self-esteem Scale, Social Adaptive Functioning Evaluation, Multi-dimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and a family questionnaire. The case referred from the Outdoor Department at Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, for psychiatric social work assessment and intervention. The results exhibit a significant improvement in pre- and post intervention scores, indicating enhanced daily functioning, reduced depression, increased insight, heightened awareness regarding illness, and improved self-esteem. This study underscores the importance of a biopsychosocial approach in understanding and treating depression comprehensively. The findings emphasize the efficacy of psychiatric social work interventions within this framework, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and facilitating the client’s understanding of their illness. The integration of biological and psychosocial aspects in treatment is essential, necessitating a holistic theoretical paradigm.