Biomedical Model Vs. Biopsychosocial Model

Question 1

Define behavioral medicine.

Answer 1

Behavioral medicine is an interdisciplinary field that integrates behavioral and medical knowledge to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate health/disease

Question 2

The biomedical/traditional approaches to health are: (4 things)

Answer 2

Absence of disease
Absence of risk factors
Immunity through vaccinations and antibiotics
Socially-accepted mental status

Question 3

Flaws of the biomedical model include: (4 things)

Answer 3

1. Reductionist - explains illness by simplest possible process, but diseases are much more complicated
2. Single-factor causes - looks for THE cause of disease rather than contributory factors (e.g. looking for a genetic explanation of alcoholism or smoking)
3. Focuses on disease (not promoting health)
4. Dualistic - separates the person from the disease and suggests that individuals are not responsible for their disease (what occurs in the mind is separate from what happens in the body)

Question 4

Flaws of the biomedical model as described by Engel, who discovered the biopsychosocial model: (3 things)

Answer 4

1. “A biochemical alteration does not translate directly into an illness”- People can have the same genetic makeup and not develop disease.
2. “Psychosocial variables are more important determinants of susceptibility, severity, and course of illness” - Psychological and social stressors in our lives also determine our health or susceptibility to illness
3. “Success of the most biological treatments is still influenced by psychosocial factors”

Question 5

The biopsychosocial model defines health as: (3 things)

Answer 5

1. Mind and body are one
2. Relationships are important for overall health
3. Health is on a continuum and it’s influenced by a lot of different factors

Question 6

Principles of the biopsychosocial model: (4 things)

Answer 6

1. Holistic
2. Multi-factor causes (health on a continuum)
3. Does not focus solely on illness, but on preventive care
4. A person’s behavior can influence their health (Disease + Person = Illness)

Question 7

Six dimensions of the health and wellness model:

Answer 7

P.I.E.E.S.S.

1. Physical - Includes body functioning and physical fitness
2. Intellectual - Ability to think clearly, reason objectively
3. Social - Ability to have satisfying relationships
4. Emotional - Self-esteem, self-efficacy
5. Environmental - Appreciation of the external environment and one’s role
6. Spiritual - Feeling as if part of a greater spectrum of existence

Question 8

Define symptom.

Answer 8

Any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient.

Question 9

Definition of disease.

Answer 9

An impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning that can be classified.

Question 10

Define nosological.

Answer 10

A branch of medicine that deals with classification of diseases.

Question 11

Definition of illness.

Answer 11

A state of poor health resulting from a disease based solely on the person’s experience of the condition or disease.

Question 12

Name the biopsychosocial variables that contribute to health, disease, and illness.

Answer 12

B.E.P.S.
Biology - (Age, sex, Disease state, Genetics/heredity)
Environment - (Attitudes/beliefs, Mood state)
Psychology - (School/Workplace, Church, Social/Cultural norms)
Social Factors - (Support: formal/informal; Roles: work/family/peers)