Biopsychosocial model

The biopsychosocial model ("BPS model") looks at biological, psychological and social factors to explain why disorders occur and is a tool used by psychologists to examine how psychological disorders develop.

History
In a 1977 article in Science, psychiatrist George L. Engel called for "the need for a new medical model." The biopsychosocial model is the dominant model used to understand mental illness and combines biological, psychological and social factors.

Controversy
Inappropriately used to explain biological disorders that cannot yet be explained by medical science. Myalgic encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, (ME/CFS), and Fibromyalgia are now known as physiological diseases. The incorrect application of the BPS model for ME/CFS has led to the PACE trial with Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) being utilized as treatment of ME/CFS patients.

Criticism
The use of the biopsychosocial model for treating Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been heavily criticised by many researchers, charities and patient groups.

Notable studies

 * May 2016, 'Blaming the victim, all over again: Waddell and Aylward’s biopsychosocial (BPS) model of disability' by Tom Shakespeare, Nicolas Watson and Ola Abu Alghaib via Critical Social Policy
 * Aug 2016, 'Chronic fatigue syndrome: is the biopsychosocial model responsible for patient dissatisfaction and harm? by Keith Geraghty and Aneez Esmail via British Journal of General Practice
 * Jun 2018, 'Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and the biopsychosocial model: a review of patient harm and distress in the medical encounter' by Keith Geraghty and Charlotte Blease via Disability and Rehabilitation

Learn more

 * Notes on the Ineffectiveness of the Biopsychosocial Model for Treating Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - Invest in ME Research