Treatment of Psychological Disorders Using Biopsychosocial Approach - Essay Example

BIOPSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE Submitted by: In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements in Submitted of Teacher} [Position, School] [Date] 1. Introduction The treatment of psychological disorders has been evolving in the course of time. From incantations to wizardry to a more scientific approach, the field has evolved to incorporate a deeper understanding of the human mind and the way biological, psychological and social factors come into play. There is already a wealth of literature concerning the need for a holistic approach to the treatment of psychological disorders of the human mind. In this paper, I will be providing a discussion on the treatment taking the form of a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach. The main aim is to define what is meant by BPS and how it is applied in the treatment of psychological disorders. To achieve this, I will be analyzing a disorder through the lens of BPS. The aim is not so much in determining the treatment of the disorder but to make the reader appreciate the use of BPS. 2.0 BPS and Alcoholic Women 2.1 The Biopsychosocial model The biopsychosocial (BPS) model in healthcare stresses the need for approaching illnesses and disorders holistically. Usually, medical professionals would usually limit themselves to understanding illnesses thru the lens of science especially that of biology. The model considers the health and disorders of human beings as the result not only of biological failure or invasion but also of psychological and social environment by which he is immersed. In treating disorders, beliefs, thoughts and emotions must also be taken into account. We can think of the human physiological systems including our genes to be rather open and flexible systems which respond to the demands place upon them as opposed to the encapsulated system view that is so pervasive in our society. BPS relies on the assumption that biological disorders could lead to psychological disorders. This is further amplified by social factors such as inappropriate environment and undesirable social interactions. The overall result is a dysfunctional and painful state of mind (Kirkpatrick, 1990). 2.2 Alcoholism in Women A biopsychosocial perspective in the treatment of alcoholism in women is a good topic to show how BPS works. The wealth of literature of the topic helps us further to provide a more revealing discussion on the use of BPS. In the following passages, the reader will find that there are unique circumstances and challenges women alcoholics must deal with when compared to their biological counterpart. 2.3 Biological Factors There are certain biological realities that make women alcoholics at a worse position than men. To start with, women tend to be more affected physiologically by the consumption of alcohol. They may be drinking a little amount but that is already equivalent to a drinking spree by their male peers. In the study undertaken by Wilsnack, Wilsnack, and Miller-Strumhofel (1994) and Deal & Galaver (1994), it was found out that the biological makeup of women of having more fatty tissue causes this difference in physiological response. Since women have more fatty tissue and that alcohol does not dissolve well in this environment, the same amount of alcohol consumed by a man and woman will lead to higher blood pressure for the later. Deal and Galaver (1994, p. 190) was also able to show that women have lower levels of dehydrogenase - a very important enzyme in breaking down alcohol. This together with the fatty tissue differentials result to a higher blood alcohol concentration for women which also translates to higher risks for developing the liver illness called cirrhosis. There are many studies indicating that women are indeed more prone to cirrhosis than men and this includes that of Krasner, Davis, Portmann, & Williams (1977) and Peres, Gavallero, Brugera, Torres, & Robes (1986). Nixon (1994) was able to establish that in populations with alcoholic hepatitis, the women's condition were likely to deteriorate to cirrhosis. There is also evidence suggesting that alcoholism is genetically determined. Schuckit and Jefferson (1999) went on to suggest that "half the risk for alcoholism" is determined by our genes. According to Hill (1995), alcoholics tend to have a certain brain wave called P300 dampened as compared to non-alcoholics. Surprisingly, children of alcoholic mothers also had their P300 dampened while the children of non-alcoholics had normal P300 waves. 2.4 Psychological Factors There are many studies suggesting that feelings of perceived inadequacy, stress and distress results to a greater chance of being an alcoholic (Gomberg, 1994). Childhood sexual abuse has been pointed out by many researchers to be a very strong factor in developing female alcoholics. (Beckman, 1994; Gomberg, 1994 and Wilsnack et al., 1994). Almost 30-80% of alcoholic females were victims of incest with only the lack of a caring environment as a second factor. A troubled childhood has been found to be one of the primary reasons why men and women become alcoholics. Men tend to release their internalized anger through alcohol and aggressive behaviour. Women tend to take in alcohol and internalize further their anger and hostility. This state of affairs results to a further downward spiral for women ultimately leading to greater anxiety, depression, panic and phobia (Beckman, 1994). 2.5 Social Factors A report by Carter (1997, p. 473) indicates that there is a gender discrimination in alcoholism as well and women are still in the losing end. Females tend to experience greater social stigma, double standards and different expectations. In a world where women are seen as wives, mothers, nurturers and caregivers, drinking is highly seen as a deviation that deserves a greater social stigma. As opposed to males, female alcoholics were subjected to sever humiliation, committed into insane asylums and were forced to undergo involuntary hysterectomies (Carter, 1997). Women tend to resort to alcoholism as a coping mechanism to a crisis or problematic situation (Beckman, 1994). Females tend to be affected more adversely by events in life and they have a higher probability to resort to alcohol when they are having problems with their partner, family and children (Beckman, 1994). Due to the greater social stigma that they experience, alcoholic women dives further into greater depression and anxiety thereby effectively creating a vicious cycle. 3. Conclusion Alcoholism in women, when viewed using the biopsychosocial perspective, reveals new and unique circumstances women alcoholics experience compared with their male counterpart. Whereas before, female alcoholism was considered and treated the same as male alcoholism, the BSP model informs us that this way of viewing the disorder is inappropriate. A biological approach indicates that women tend to suffer more physiologically than men. Psychologically and socially, women are more prone to be alcoholics because of their failed relationships and perceived inadequacies which are further compounded by the stigma they experience. A more involved treatment could be more appropriate as compared to limited counseling. BPS gives us a new lens in health care. References: Beckman, L. J. (1994). Treatment needs of women with alcohol problems. Alcohol, Health & Research World, 18, 206-211. Carter, C. S. (1997). Ladies don't: A historical perspective on attitudes toward alcoholic women. 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