What is the “Biopsychosocial” Model?
Where You Might Have Heard “Biopsychosocial”
Doctors and pain specialists often talk about the “biopsychosocial” model. You may have heard this term in your child’s clinic visit, or read it on the internet.
Typically, this word is used in reference to chronic pain and other physical and mental health conditions.
Even if you’ve never heard it before, what does it actually mean?
The word is a mouthful, but for good reason. If it was a narrator in a Walt Whitman poem, it might say, “I contain multitudes.”
Defining “Biopsychosocial”
Let’s take the word apart:
Bio:
This term refers to how there are many biological mechanisms involved in pain and other physical and mental health conditions. This may refer to processes on micro-levels such as neurotransmitters and hormones, to more macro-levels such as musculature systems or the central nervous system.
Psycho:
This refers to psychological processes involved in pain, physical, and mental health conditions. This may include how the brain processes signals from the body, attention, memory, and interpretation.
Social:
This term refers to how none of us live in isolation. Individuals’ pain, physical, and mental health conditions certainly affect their relationships, and everyone’s entire experience of physical and mental health is affected by their family, community, and culture. For children, family, school, and friends, along with influences from the broad culture through social media are certainly relevant.
Why bother with this quasi-made up combination word? It was first conceptualized by Dr. George Engel to appreciate the complexity of medical conditions beyond biology. It is intended to reflect that the whole person is interconnected. Pain, mental health, and even physical health conditions are better addressed when biological, psychological, and social factors are all understood.
In the image you saw when you clicked on this post, you can see how all of these factors are connected. There is no hierarchy, and all of the factors are given equal importance.
What Should Parents and Patients Think About?
Understanding the biopsychosocial model can empower you to make better choices for more comprehensive and effective treatment.
When considering treatment for your child, try thinking about these three pillars:
Biological: What types of medical or physical treatments are are warranted? You and your doctors should consider both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments- not just medicines and procedures, but also physical therapy, occupational therapy, and complementary treatments.
Psychological: Consider the role for a pediatric psychologist who specializes in your child’s health concerns. In some instances, consulting with a psychiatrist is also recommended.
Social: Consider both what relationships might benefit from changing, and what relationships or opportunities can be added. If you think your child might be involved in bullying, check out this recent post on bullying and pain.
If you are looking for a pediatric psychologist who can help your child with coping skills and non-pharmacological management of their pain, or physical or mental health condition, who can help you better understand your child’s biopsychosocial model, and connect to your team of healthcare providers and school, please reach out out!
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