Integrating Simple GP Tests into a Holistic Approach for Lifelong Psychological Well-being

Psychological well-being is influenced by a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. General practitioners (GPs) often perform simple tests that can provide valuable insights into a person’s mental health at any stage of life. These tests, when combined with a holistic biopsychosocial approach, can guide effective psychological care tailored to individual needs. This article explores how straightforward GP assessments contribute to psychological understanding and treatment, supported by evidence-based examples.

Simple GP tests support holistic psychological care

The Biopsychosocial Model and Its Importance

The biopsychosocial model recognizes that health and illness result from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors (Engel, 1977). This model moves beyond purely medical or psychological explanations and encourages a comprehensive view of a person’s well-being.

• Biological factors include genetics, brain chemistry, and physical health.

• Psychological factors involve emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

• Social factors cover relationships, culture, and environment.

  
  

GPs are uniquely positioned to observe and assess these factors through routine tests and patient interactions. Integrating these findings into psychological care helps address the root causes of distress rather than just symptoms.

Simple GP Tests That Inform Psychological Care

GPs use several straightforward tests that can reveal important clues about mental health. These tests are non-invasive, quick, and often part of routine check-ups.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can detect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation, all of which affect mood and cognition.

• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression and anxiety (Anglin, Samaan, Walter, & McDonald, 2013).

• Thyroid function tests can identify hypothyroidism, which often presents with symptoms like fatigue and low mood (Hage & Azar, 2012).

• Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) have associations with depression, suggesting inflammation’s role in mental health (Miller & Raison, 2016).

  
  

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Elevated blood pressure and heart rate can indicate stress or anxiety. Conversely, low blood pressure might relate to fatigue or depressive symptoms. Monitoring these vital signs helps GPs understand physiological stress responses that impact psychological states.

Cognitive Screening Tools

Simple cognitive tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) help detect early cognitive decline or dementia, which often coexists with depression or anxiety in older adults (Nasreddine et al., 2005).

Screening Questionnaires

GPs often use brief questionnaires such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression or the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. These tools provide standardized measures of psychological symptoms and help track changes over time (Kroenke, Spitzer, & Williams, 2001; Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, & Löwe, 2006).

Evidence-Based Examples of Integrating GP Tests into Psychological Care

Case 1: Middle-Aged Adult with Fatigue and Low Mood

A 45-year-old patient visits a GP complaining of fatigue and low mood. Blood tests reveal low vitamin B12 and mild hypothyroidism. The GP refers the patient for psychological support while initiating vitamin supplementation and thyroid treatment.

Research shows that correcting these biological factors can improve mood and cognitive function, enhancing the effectiveness of psychological interventions (Bodnar & Wisner, 2005; Hage & Azar, 2012).

Case 2: Older Adult with Memory Concerns

An 70-year-old patient reports memory problems. The GP administers the MoCA and finds mild cognitive impairment. Blood tests rule out reversible causes like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues. The patient receives cognitive therapy alongside medical management.

Early detection through simple tests allows timely psychological support, which can slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life (Nasreddine et al., 2005).

Case 3: Young Adult with Anxiety Symptoms

A 25-year-old presents with anxiety and palpitations. Blood pressure and heart rate are elevated. The GP screens for anxiety using GAD-7 and discusses lifestyle factors such as caffeine intake and sleep hygiene. The patient receives counseling and is monitored regularly.

This approach addresses both physiological and psychological aspects, supporting recovery without unnecessary medication (Spitzer et al., 2006).

Why a Holistic Biopsychosocial Approach Matters

Focusing solely on psychological symptoms risks missing underlying biological or social contributors. For example, untreated hypothyroidism can mimic depression, and social isolation can worsen anxiety. The biopsychosocial model ensures:

• Comprehensive assessment that includes physical health, mental health, and social context.

• Personalized care tailored to the individual’s unique situation.

• Better outcomes by addressing all factors influencing well-being.

  
  

GPs play a critical role in this model by using simple tests to gather information that informs psychological care plans.

Practical Tips for Patients and Practitioners

• Patients should share all symptoms, even those that seem unrelated, such as fatigue or digestive issues.

• Practitioners should consider routine screening for mental health in patients with chronic physical conditions.

• Collaboration between GPs, psychologists, and other health professionals enhances care quality.

• Regular monitoring helps track progress and adjust treatment as needed.

  
  

Summary

Simple tests performed by GPs provide valuable information that supports a holistic biopsychosocial approach to psychological care. Blood tests, vital signs, cognitive screenings, and questionnaires reveal biological and social factors that influence mental health. Integrating these findings leads to personalized, effective care at any life stage. Patients and practitioners benefit from this comprehensive approach, which promotes lifelong psychological well-being.

References

Anglin, R. E. S., Samaan, Z., Walter, S. D., & McDonald, S. D. (2013). Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(2), 100–107. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.111.106666

Bodnar, L. M., & Wisner, K. L. (2005). Nutrition and depression: Implications for improving mental health among childbearing-aged women. Biological Psychiatry, 58(9), 679–685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.06.001

Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.847460

Hage, M. P., & Azar, S. T. (2012). The link between thyroid function and depression. Journal of Thyroid Research, 2012, 590648. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/590648

Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x

Miller, A. H., & Raison, C. L. (2016). The role of inflammation in depression: From evolutionary imperative to modern treatment target. Nature Reviews Immunology, 16(1), 22–34. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2015.5

Nasreddine, Z. S., Phillips, N. A., Bédirian, V., Charbonneau, S., Whitehead, V., Collin, I., ... & Chertkow, H. (2005). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA: A brief screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 53(4), 695–699. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53221.x

Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B. W., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092–1097. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092