Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry (Jan 2017)

The biopsychosocial approach and global mental health: Synergies and opportunities

  • Emmanuel Babalola,
  • Pia Noel,
  • Ross White

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijsp.ijsp_13_17
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 33, no. 4
pp. 291 – 296

Abstract

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The biopsychosocial (BPS) approach proposed by Engel four decades ago was regarded as one of the most important developments in medicine and psychiatry in the late 20th century. Unlike the biomedical model, the BPS approach posits that biological, psychological, and social factors play a significant role in disease causation and treatment. This approach brought about a new way of conceptualizing mental health difficulties and engendered changes within research, medical teaching and practice. Global mental health (GMH) is a relatively new area of study and practice that seek to bridge inequities and inequality in mental healthcare services provision for people worldwide. The significance of the BPS approach for understanding mental health difficulties is being debated in the context of GMH initiatives. This paper critically evaluates strengths and weaknesses of the BPS approach to mental health difficulties and explores its relevance to GMH initiatives.

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