Biomedical model of health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Biomedical model of health - Essay Example It assumes that illness is caused by abnormalities in the body functioning rather than any other external reasons. For example, many of the heart problems, type two diabetics etc are dependent on the person’s actions and beliefs according to this theory rather than any other factors. It mainly works on the physical processes, such as the pathology, the biochemistry and the physiology of a disease rather than the social or individual factors. Modern western medicine is accepted biomedical model as the base of their medical practices. This theory considers our body just like a machine. Like machine parts the damaged human parts needed to be repaired or replaced in order to keep a sound health. In short, western model of medicine claims that the only valid way of assessing a patient is through the biomedical model of health. This paper critically analyses the above claim The focus of biological model is on physical causes. It assumes that psychological and social process has not many connections with the disease process (Taylor, p.11). â€Å"Social and psychological factors might be accepted as being of interest, but not with regard to actual disease† (Brain, p.257) The doctor will ask the details of the disease and the patient will be advised to undergo lab tests to monitor temperature, pulse, blood pressure etc. Based on the lab results and biological etiologies, the physician will prescribe a medicinal plan for the patient (The Biopsychosocial Model of Health and Illness). Biomedical model of health believe that instead of combined performances, an individual’s body and mind may work independently and cause physical or mental problems to the person. For example, eating disorder is a major problem for many people. In this case, instead of any external factors, the psychological or mental factors are causing problems to the person. In other words the physical illness of eating disorder is caused by mental factors and medicines for the correction of the