Biopsychosocial Models

Question 1

Phenotype

Answer 1

Symptom of a disorder.

Question 2

Social factors

Answer 2

Anything environmental e.g. poverty, isolation, discrimination & migration.

Question 3

Psychological factors

Answer 3

Childhood trauma, stress, frustration, grief, shock, cognitive biases & schemas.

Question 4

Biological Factors

Answer 4

Genetic (inherited) causes, chemical imbalance, brain damage/abnormalities.

Question 5

Advantages

Answer 5

Ability to individualise treatment based on all factors.

Question 6

Disadvantages

Answer 6

Allows doctor to do as he pleases e.g. prefer medication.

More is Better fallacy - more factors causing something the more true it must be (incorrect).

Misleading in terms of treatment - says combination of treatment is more efficient but evidence is mixed as depends on patient and condition.

Question 7

George Engel (1913-1999)

Answer 7

Created biopsychosocial model.

Disorders caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors (both physical and psych disorders).