Are You Blue? What Can You Do?

By Robert W. Grossman, Amy Pettigrew, Linda Walsh, Kathleen Boje

Abstract

This case study introduces students to treatment alternatives for depression using a jigsaw method in which groups of students are divided up so that each member of the “home group” becomes the “resident expert” in one of five possible treatment options. Designed for a course in abnormal psychology, this case could be adapted for courses in physiological psychology, pharmacy, and neurobiology.

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Date Posted

04/08/2002

Overview

Objectives

Introduce students to the process of looking at the comparative advantages and disadvantages of some of the major kinds of treatment for depression. This involves a brief introduction to three antidepressant medications, a natural remedy, and an example of psychotherapy.
Help students see that treatment decisions are complex and probabilistic rather than simple black-and-white choices so they understand why these decisions are best made in consultation with a professional.
Introduce students to the concept and potential value of "alternative" treatments or "natural remedies" for the treatment of depression.
Make students aware of the resources for treating depression on their campus (counseling center, health center, etc.).
Introduce students to resources beyond their textbooks for further research and investigation of available types of treatment for this and other disorders.

Keywords

Depression; mental health; tricyclic antidepressant; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI; serotonin; monoamine oxidase inhibitor; natural remedies; alternative medicine; St. John's Wort; cognitive behavioral therapy; CBT; psychotherapy

Subject Headings

Neuroscience

Pharmacy / Pharmacology

Psychology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, Clinical education, General public & informal education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Jig-Saw, Student Presentations

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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