Welcome to Human Behavior!
Rob Averbuch, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry
University of Florida
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
2
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.
3
Additional Challenges in
Behavioral Science
Stigma
Negative Biases
Misconceptions and Bad Press
4
HB: Goals and Objectives
Explore major influences on Behavior:
Biological, Psychological, Social, Behavioral, and
Cultural
Examine Development throughout the Life-
cycle
By Development we’re talking about social,
cognitive, psychological/emotional
development, NOT embryology or
organogenesis
Goals and Objectives
Introduce the Psychiatric Interview,
Mental Status Examination, and
various assessment tools
Survey major categories of
Psychopathology
Explore modalities of treatment,
including Psychotherapy
My Primary Goals and
Objectives
Provide a learning environment that is
interactive, supportive, and “fun”
KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) approach
to lectures
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, Small
Group Sessions, and 1 Standardized
Patient Activity
Lecture attendance VERY VERY
STRONGLY encouraged/recommended
Caution- this isn’t Pass/Fail
Small Group attendance MANDATORY
Preview- Section I Outline
Bio-Psycho-Social Model
Psychodynamic Theories of Behavior
Learning Theories and Behavior
Biological Basis for Behavior
Human Development
Small Groups
Coming, April 8th…
Grading
3 written exams, Plus performance in
Small Groups
Exams will cover lecture content,
handout, and any readings specifically
designated
Contact Information
Course Coordinator: Valerie Moreau
Email: vmoreau@ufl.edu
Phone: 392-8039
Questions about course Materials, Logistics
(eg online materials, tests, where to be,
handouts) can be answered by Val
Questions about course Content should be
addressed to Dr. Averbuch and other
instructors (please CC me on all emails)
Contact Information
Course Director: Rob Averbuch, MD
Email (preferred method): averbuch@ufl.edu
Phone: 392-8039
Office hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 5-6
p.m. or by appointment- please email in
advance
Location: Medical Plaza, 4th floor Psychiatry
Clinic
For directions to clinic office, call Val (392-8039)
or Clinic receptionist (265-7041)
Biopsychosocial Approach to
Medicine
Psychiatry and all Medical Specialties
Bio-psycho-social Defined
Diagnosis and treatment based on
attention to the underlying biological
processes…AS 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 don’t
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 skills-
aka- 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 it’s
challenges
THE END