Biopsychosocial Model in Contemporary Psychiatry: Current Validity and Future Prospects

摘要

The biopsychosocial model(BPS) was proposed by George L. Engel in 1977 as a needed medical model toexplain psychiatric disorders.[1] Since then, this model had gained wide acceptability across the globe. Itsystematically explained the complex interplay of three major dimensions (biological, psychological, and social) inthe development of psychiatric disorders. It explained that a person does not suffer as isolated organs but rather asa whole. This provided a holistic approach to psychiatric illnesses. The emotional tone of a person, his/herpersonality, the surrounding environment, and other social parameters do influence the manifestation of illness. Themodel established a holistic and empathetic approach in psychiatric practice[2] Over the past four decades, manychanges happened in our understanding of psychiatric disorders, and hence, there is reluctance in accepting thebiopsychosocial model in reality.