Biopsychosocial Model - Essay Example

In other words, physicians consider only the physical problems of the patient whereas psychologists consider physical, mental and social problems of the patient while treating a disease. Biopsychosocial Model argues that health cannot be assessed or evaluated with the help of physical aspects alone whereas physicians argue that all human diseases have some kind of physical problems. Biopsychosocial Model believes that mind is the driving force of the body and therefore any problem occurs to the mind may lead towards some kind of physical problems.

This paper compares and contrasts the biopsychosocial model as used by health psychologists, in comparison to the biomedical model, used by physicians. Biopsychosocial Model vs Biomedical Model Mind-body problem is relevant not only in philosophy, but also in medical science as well. Body is the visible element whereas the mind or soul is the invisible element as far as the characteristics of a human are concerned. Science normally accepts everything based on scientific evidences; however, the existence of mind or soul is only a hypothesis and still science has no problem in accepting it as a reality.

This is because of the fact that in the absence of soul or mind, human body becomes dead and useless. In short, the supremacy of soul or mind in controlling bodily activities is well documented and accepted by the medical experts at present. Apart from the physical and mental aspects, human health is related to social aspects also since man is a social animal. In other words, social interactions are necessary for human to maintain his physical and psychological health. Thus human health is a complex entity which is related to physical aspects as well as mental and social aspects.

Evans et al (2009) have pointed out the importance of Yoga in promoting physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. Physical systems activated through yoga practice include musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, autonomic nervous system and endocrine functioning. Psychological benefits include enhanced coping, self-efficacy and positive mood. Spiritual mechanisms that can be understood within a Western medical model include acceptance and mindful awareness (Evans et al, 2009, p.1). Physicians may not advice Yoga for the treatment of physical diseases whereas psychologists stress the importance of practicing Yoga for curing many of the diseases including physical problems.

Yoga can fill positive energy in the minds of a person or a patient. Negative thoughts or negative energy are the major reasons for many of the physical and mental problems. For example high blood pressure is normally treated by physicians using medications. However in many cases, high blood pressure is caused by stress or mental factors rather than physical problems. In such cases, avoidance of stress factors is necessary for controlling the blood pressure of the patient. In other words, medicines alone may not help a high blood pressure patient if his blood pressure is related to psychological factors.

In such cases Yoga can him in avoiding negative thoughts and thereby avoiding the causes of his blood pressure problems. Evans et al have pointed out that “Yoga can enhance the functioning of Energy & sleep, Quality of Life, Strength & fitness etc. Moreover it can reduce pain, stress & disability also” (Evans et al, 2009, p.3). Applying the biopsychosocial model to hypersexual disorder and sexual addiction offers several advantages. First, the model establishes a framework that allows for a comprehensive understanding of the individual as opposed to a focus on a particular theory or school of thought.

Second, use of the model emphasizes that problematic sexual behaviours