PSY 6200 – W 9 Discussion # 2 Response to Instructor

Discussion2: Applying the Biopsychosocial Model

TheWorld Health Organization (n.d.) identifies health as a state of completephysical, mental, and social well-being (p. 1). This quote refers to thenotion that health should not be reduced to a single, biological source;rather, biology must be considered in relation to other psychological andsocial factors. George Engel, a psychiatrist in the 1970s, developed thebiopsychosocial model to avoid the pitfalls of reductionism so often associatedwith the traditional medical model. A practitioner using the model to diagnoseand treat depression might consider the patients family history of depression(biological factor), life stressors, such as the loss of a job (psychologicalfactors), and level of social support from family and friends (social factor). Inthis discussion, you will explore the biopsychosocial model in more detail andhow it can be applied to a variety of different health issues.

Reference:
World Health Organization (n.d.). Constitution of WHO: Principles. Retrievedfrom http://www.who.int/about/mission/en/

To Prepare

       Reviewthe article, The Biopsychosocial Model 25 Years Later: Principles,Practice, and Scientific Inquiry. Think about how and why thebiopsychosocial model was created. Also, consider the role of a patientssubjective experience in the diagnosis and treatment of health issues.

       Reviewthe remaining articles on the biopsychosocial model. Think about howbiological, psychological, and social factors affect the health and wellnessissues addressed in the articles.

       Selectone health issue from the following list:

o   Migraineheadaches

o   Postpartumdepression

o   Obesity

o   Substanceabuse/addiction

o   EatingDisorder (anorexia, bulimia)

       Identifybiological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the healthissue you selected.

       Reflecton how the persons subjective experience may influence the mitigation orseverity of the health issue you selected.

By Day 6

Respond to at least one of your instructor postsand include one additional factor that may contribute to the health issuesthey selected, indicating how your factor fits in the biopsychosocial model.