Generally, the latest hot topics in biopsychosocial fields include medical ethics, international medicine and health, reducing health care costs and expanding health services, and correlations between nutrition and illness.

To view the latest research in health psychology, behavioral medicine, and the biopsychosocial model, please glance and read some of the articles found in the following scholarly journals: Read more →

Engel’s portrayal of the biopsychosocial model has significantly redefined psychiatry, medicine, and psychology. With the emergence of health psychology and behavioral medicine in primary care settings and the training of general practitioners on different health paradigms, patients are increasingly aware that their medical providers view them as a person, and not solely by their disease. Read more →

Schizophrenia treatment has significantly evolved since Nobel Laureate John Nash was initially treated with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and insulin coma “therapies” in the 50-60’s — as portrayed in the movie, A Beautiful Mind. Now, the ultimate goals of schizophrenia clinical management are to reduce or eliminate all associated symptoms, improve socio-behavioral functioning, foster reintegration into society, prevent the relapse of psychotic episodes, and treat or prevent (further) co-morbidity. Clinicians employ a combination of pharmacological (neuroleptic) and psychosocial interventions according to the vulnerability-stress-coping model. The first line of coping is usually medicinal options for the suppression of symptoms and control of disturbed behavior. Psychosocial modalities contribute to improve patient insight and compliance, while promoting the development and implementation of personal goals. Read more →

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted disorder that manifests by both genetic and environmental factors. A plethora of twin and adoption studies suggest major genetic influences on the pathogenesis of schizophrenia; however, a MZ concordance of 50% also suggests environmental factors (Cardno et al., 1999). [Note, a concordance of 100%, or absolute probability that both "identical" twins are afflicted or not, would suggest a single gene disorder, as in sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.] These family studies reveal that schizophrenia is a complex genetic disorder, akin to diabetes and most cancers, where not but multiple causative genes contribute to susceptibility — a polygenetic disease. Moreover, there are presumably environmental factors that contribute to the onset. Read more →

Psychosis involves a disconnection with reality and perceptions outside the range of normality. Moreover, it is the common multifaceted symptom of psychotic disorders often accompanied by behavioral abnormalities and cognitive impairments. In fact, such characteristics are used to differentially classify conditions. Not only do these special illnesses require substantial medical care, but clinical management involves multidimensional schemata pursuant to the biopsychosocial model. Read more →

Engel’s commitment to revolutionizing the health care sector remains important, for we are all affected as consumers, patients, practitioners, or administrators. His message is notably broad, for the scope of the holistic biopsychosocial model is virtually limitless – from psychiatry, immunology, and public health to pain, sexuality, and everyday life – and defines a wellness balance. This may explain the interconnected nature and difficulty in studying (and perhaps more so in treating disorders involving) these phenomena. Read more →