Sperry poses the need for a comprehensive assessment informed by a biopsychosocial perspective when treating individuals with chronic illness. In our text, he identifies the formulation of the thirteen key markers that should be discussed with the patient during the assessment process.

These markers include:

1) Disease progression and impact of illness on functioning

2) Illness representation or explanatory model

3) Adequacy of health behaviors and exposure history

4) Early parental bond and adverse childhood experiences

5) Personal schemas and family narratives

6) Personality style or disorder

7) Family competence level and style

8) Religious and spiritual beliefs

9) Patient resources and self-capacities

10) Readiness for treatment and self-management capacity

11) Adequacy of treatment relationship with previous providers

12) Alignment between clinician-patient explanatory models and treatment goals

13) Phase of illness