Indeed, the biopsychosocial model acknowledges the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating mental health conditions. The biopsychosocial model framework looks at how a person’s biological factors like genetics, psychological state like thoughts and emotions, and social environment such as relationships, culture, and socioeconomic status all interact to influence mental health. The biopsychosocial model is still valid as it acknowledges the complexity of mental health issues and allows for a more nuanced understanding of patients.
I learned through this discussion post that in your clinical experience, you have encountered patients whose symptoms improved by not only addressing their medication needs (biological) but also their coping strategies (psychological) and family dynamics (social). A yeast infection is a fungal infection characterized by irritation, discharge, and itchiness of the vagina and the vulva. Diabetes increases the risk for yeast infection in women as the yeast thrives on sugar. The holistic approach to care proposed by the biopsychosocial model underscores its relevance.
The biopsychosocial model will still be relevant in the future only that it may need some adjustments to reflect the advancements in technology and changes in societal attitudes. As society becomes more aware of mental health issues, integrating community resources and societal factors into treatment plans will be increasingly important.
References
Bolton, D., Gillett, G., Bolton, D., & Gillett, G. (2019). The biopsychosocial model 40 years on. The biopsychosocial model of health and disease: New philosophical and scientific developments, 1-43. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK552030/
Frazier, L. D. (2020). The past, present, and future of the biopsychosocial model: A review of The Biopsychosocial Model of Health and Disease: New philosophical and scientific developments by Derek Bolton and Grant Gillett. New Ideas in Psychology, 57, 100755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2019.100755
Porter R. J. (2020). The biopsychosocial model in mental health. The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry, 54(8), 773–774. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867420944464