1. © Banff and Buchan College 2004
The Biomedical Model
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

2. © Banff and Buchan College 2004
The Biomedical Model
Main assumptions:
Psychological disorders are illnesses or diseases affecting the nervous system
Abnormal behaviour, thinking and emotion are caused by biological dysfunctions
Understanding mental illness involves understanding what went wrong with the brain
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

3. © Banff and Buchan College 2004
The Biomedical Model
Possible causes of abnormal behaviour:
Biochemistry – an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters or hormones might cause parts of the brain to malfunction
Structural damage or abnormality – if the structure of the brain is damaged or improperly formed then thinking, emotion and behaviour may change
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

4. © Banff and Buchan College 2004
The Biomedical Model
Factors that may affect NS functioning:
Genetics – inherited developmental abnormality
Toxicity – chemical poisoning from e.g. drugs or environmental toxins
Infection/disease – causing chemical or structural damage to the brain
Stress – causing abnormal hormonal effects in the long term
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

5. Brain Abnormality (Structure)
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

6. Brain Abnormality (Structure)
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

7. Brain Abnormality (Functioning)
© Banff and Buchan College 2004

8. Henderson Road, Fraserburgh, AB43 9GA © Banff and Buchan College 2004
Tel: (01346) Fax: (01346)
© Banff and Buchan College 2004