Theories of biopsychosocial model of mental health in social work intervention - Essay Example

The paper “Theories of the Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health in Social Work Intervention" is a forceful example of a term paper on social science. Bio-psychosocial model is a conceptual model that states that in order to fully understand a medical condition that an individual is suffering from, three factors need to be considered. These are biological, psychological, and social factors. In relation to mental illness, the model assumes that the cause of the mental health problem is not specifically limited to one domain of the human experience, but instead encompasses a number of domains, which range from biological, psychological as well as the social factors (Álvarez et al. 2012). As a social worker intervening to a client with a mental health condition, it is vital to understand the theories of the bio-psycho-social model of mental health.

Understanding the theories will aid in the holistic management of the client, with great consideration of all his needs (Zittel et al. 2013). During the social work intervention of a patient with bipolar, the social worker needs to understand the various causes of mental illness. Mental illnesses are considered to come about because of three major factors referred to as determinism. A social worker should demonstrate rich skills in biogenetic determinism, psychological determinism and the social determinism (Bond et al. 2010). Biogenetic determinism states that mental illness might come about as a result of biological factors like a patient has suffered from a particular medical condition or even from genetic factors whereby the condition might be running in the family.

It is important for the social worker to have an in-depth interrogation with the patient in order to establish whether he had suffered or he is suffering from a particular medical condition. History of the bipolar condition within the family members also needs to be established in order to know whether the condition is genetically transmitted within the family (Bond et al. 2010).Social determinism is also another factor that might contribute to having a mental problem. Bipolar disorder may be because of a social problem that the patient is experiencing.

The mental problem might emanate from psychological, social, or biological factors. Psychological factors encompass learning, emotions, memory, stress, and attitude. Biological factors include genetic predisposition, low immunity, and medication side effects and fight flight responses. It is therefore important for the social worker to establish clearly whether the patient might be facing some social difficulties. Bond et al. (2010) reveals that an isolated person may demonstrate such symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Isolation may also emanate from lack of basic needs especially safety and psychological. One tends to have an intense sense of neglect and abuse, leading to an inferiority complex.In summation, despite the popularity of bio-psychosocial health model, some disadvantages concur along with it. It tends to perceive the human body, as a machine that once broken down, restoration is possible. The model tries to perceive all mental illnesses as being scientific but that is wrong and uncalled for. With reference to the scientific and conceptual model, it is worth noting that not all diseases have a close relation to biological, social, or psychological aspects.

However, the model approach possess diverse strengths as it encompasses a holistic approach to disease, all organizational levels are interlinked, and the disease condition is more under patient control. The model is vital and has been successful in the intervention.