biomedical model

Question 1

Mind-body dualism

Answer 1

The philosophical theory that the mind and body are separate entities. The mind represents the non-physical aspects of being, such as thoughts and emotions, while the body represents the physical aspects.

Question 2

Physical reductionism

Answer 2

Refers to breaking down a complex system, such as the human body, into smaller parts or components, such as organs or tissues.

Question 3

Specific etiology

Answer 3

The belief that every disease has its own cause and origin, and it is the role of medicine to identify and treat the specific cause of each disease.

Question 4

Regimen and control

Answer 4

the idea that diseases can be managed through strict control of one’s body and adherence to specific regimens, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and abstaining from drugs and excessive alcohol consumption.

Question 5

Machine metaphor

Answer 5

The depiction of the human body as a machine with multiple parts, each performing its own unique function. This metaphor dissociates different parts of the body and does not emphasize the interconnectedness of diseases affecting different parts.

Question 6

medicalization and demedicalization of society

Answer 6

the process by which non-medical problems become defined and treated as medical problems (illnesses or disorders)

Question 7

advantages of medicalization

Answer 7

Access to treatment for overlooked or untreated conditions

Reduced social stigmatization

Increased research and advancements in understanding and treating specific conditions

Question 8

Disadvantages of Medicalization:

Answer 8

Overmedicalization of everyday aspects of life

Ignoring broader social issues that contribute to health problems

Side effects and dependency on medical solutions

Influence of pharmaceutical companies leading to overuse or overprescription of medication

Question 9

levels of medicalization

Answer 9

conceptual: adoption of medical vocab to describe certain issues or behaviours (obesity)

institutional: Approaching and addressing problems or conditions as medical issues through healthcare policies and treatment programs (ADHD)

interactions: providers and/or patients frame and respond to specific problems or conditions

Question 10

evolution of medical knowledge

Answer 10

• the production of medical knowledge is not an exact science because health and illness ideas are constantly shifting

Question 11

what are some bad decisions made throughout history in the name of scientific and medical knowledge?

Answer 11

• Eugenics
• Nazi experiments on prisoners of war
• Sterilization procedures on women deemed “unfit”
• Experiments and practices on marginalized populations

Question 12

Physicians’ control in healthcare

Answer 12

became the main authorities in 20th century

gained control by:
- Subordinating other health professions

• Regulating the profession
• Controlling clients
• Establishing public trust in biomedicine

Question 13

what is the first step towards the demedicalization of our society?

Answer 13

easy access to medical information diminishing the power of physicians