Depression Decoded Worksheet
Depression Decoded
Critiquing the Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model
Name: ___________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
Warm-up: Defining the BPS Model
In your own words, briefly define the three pillars of the Biopsychosocial Model as they relate to mental health.
BIOLOGICAL
PSYCHOLOGICAL
SOCIAL
Video Analysis: Categorization
While watching the video, list every fact, symptom, or cause mentioned into the appropriate category below.
| Biological Factors | Psychological Factors | Social Factors |
|---|
| | |
Activity: Gap Analysis
In small groups, review your categorized notes. Identify what was emphasized and what was missing or simplified.
Covered Well (Strengths)
Which factors received the most detail or scientific backing?
Gaps & Simplifications
What environmental, cultural, or systemic factors were ignored?
The 'Part 2' Proposal
Draft a brief proposal for a follow-up video. Your goal is to address the complexities missing from the original video. Which specific factors will you highlight to provide a more holistic BPS view?
Depression Decoded Slides
Depression Decoded
Critiquing the Biopsychosocial Model through Clinical Analysis
PSYCH 101 Case Study 04
Warm-up: The BPS Model
In your worksheet, define the three pillars of the Biopsychosocial Model. Consider how they interact to shape human experience.
Bio
Genetics, brain chemistry, hormones, physiology.
Psycho
Cognition, emotions, personality, behavior.
Social
Environment, culture, relationships, socioeconomics.
Video Viewing
LIVE ANALYSIS
Embedded media
TASK: Categorize every fact mentioned into Bio, Psycho, or Social on your worksheet.
Activity: Gap Analysis
Group Work (25 min)
- Compare your categorization notes.
- Identify Gaps in the video's BPS model.
- What did the video simplify or ignore?
The 'Part 2' Proposal
Imagine you are the director of the sequel. Draft a proposal that addresses the missing complexities.
Focus on: Cultural differences, specific environmental traumas, or systemic barriers.
Closing Discussion
"Chemical Imbalance" vs. "Neuroplasticity"
The video emphasizes neurotransmitters (serotonin/dopamine). How does this "imbalance" narrative help or hurt our understanding of recovery?
Think-Pair-Share
If depression is a "broken arm," can we "think" ourselves better? Where does therapy fit in?
Final Thought
Does identifying biological causes reduce stigma, or does it make the condition feel permanent?
Depression Decoded Teacher Guide
Teacher Guide
Lesson: Depression Decoded
Psychology 101
Duration: 50 Minutes
Learning Objectives
- Define the Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model.
- Categorize clinical evidence from video media into BPS categories.
- Critique the limitations of a predominantly biological model of depression.
- Propose systemic and environmental expansions to current mental health education.
Pacing Guide
<table class="w-full text-sm"><tbody><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-2 font-bold w-24">0-5 min</td><td class="py-2">Warm-up: Define BPS Model</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-2 font-bold">5-15 min</td><td class="py-2">Video Viewing & Live Categorization</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-2 font-bold">15-40 min</td><td class="py-2">Group Activity: Gap Analysis & Proposal</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-100"><td class="py-2 font-bold">40-50 min</td><td class="py-2">Closure: Discussion on Theory vs. Reality</td></tr></tbody></table>
Video Analysis Answer Key
Biological
- • Small frontal lobes/hippocampus
- • Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine
- • Circadian rhythms/REM sleep
- • Cortisol & Thyroid hormones
- • Genetic interactions
- • Medical treatments (ECT, meds)
Psychological
- • Feeling worthless/excessive guilt
- • Low mood / Loss of interest
- • Suicidal ideation
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Cognitive therapy
Social
- • Leading cause of disability (work)
- • Social stigma (10-year delay)
- • Impact on "work, play, or love"
- • Support systems (How to help)
- • Environmental interactions
Facilitation Tips: Gap Analysis
Prompting Gaps:
If students struggle to find "missing" elements, ask: "Does the video explain why depression is more prevalent in certain socioeconomic groups? Does it mention how different cultures describe sadness?"
The 'Broken Arm' Metaphor:
Challenge students on the video's comparison to a broken arm. Is this metaphor helpful for reducing stigma, or does it oversimplify a condition that involves agency and environmental change?
Closure Discussion Anchors
The "Chemical Imbalance" Critique
"The video focuses on 'boosting brain chemicals.' Modern research on neuroplasticity suggests that changing behavior and environment can physically restructure the brain. How does this shift the BPS model from 'fixing a leak' to 'cultivating a garden'?"
