Biopsykososiaalinen

Biopsykososiaalinen refers to the biopsychosocial model, a framework in health that explains health and illness as the result of interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors. Introduced by George L. Engel in 1977 as an alternative to the reductionist biomedical model, the approach emphasizes the patient’s context and has become common in Finnish healthcare.

The model identifies three interrelated dimensions: biological (genetics, physiology, pathology), psychological (mood, cognition, behavior, coping), and social (family, work, culture, socioeconomic status, environment). These factors influence each other dynamically; for example, stress can affect physiology and adherence to treatment.

Applications include clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning in mental health, chronic disease management, pain, rehabilitation, and primary care. The aim is patient-centered care, integrating medical treatment with psychological therapies and social support, and considering patient preferences and social circumstances.

Challenges include measurement difficulties, need for interdisciplinary teams, time constraints, and resource requirements. Critics point to variability in evidence and the risk of diffuse, non-specific conclusions if not carefully operationalized.

In Finland, the term “biopsykososiaalinen” is commonly used and aligns with public health and welfare aims to address social determinants of health, promote integrated care, and involve patients in decision-making.