What is the biomedical model?

The biomedical model focuses on biological aspects as the primary cause of diseases, including mental health disorders. It views conditions like depression and anxiety mainly as results of biological flaws within individuals. This model is useful for addressing illnesses with clear physical causes, such as infections: if you remove the cause (e.g., an abscess or appendix), the condition is resolved 1 2.

Although it has been the dominant paradigm, the biomedical model has limitations. It often overlooks psychological and social factors that contribute to many illnesses, especially chronic and mental health conditions. This realization has led to the development of the biopsychosocial model, which integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of disease and pain management 2.