Biomedical Approach To Mental Illness Essay

Mental illness. This phrase has the weight of a ten-ton object when discussed within the realm of public health. The reason being that it is a constant debate between public health professionals and biomedical professionals. Although both agree that mental illnesses affect the individual, as well as those around them, each side has their own methodology in dealing with mental disorders. The traditionalized ideas of biomedical professionals are thought to have been the best in dealing with mental illness. However, thanks to the work of organizations like the American Public Health Services Association (APHSA), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), new methods of prevention and treatment are being made in the field of behavioral health. The biomedical approach to mental illness is regarded as the traditional approach. As stated by Deacon, “the biomedical model posits that mental disorders are brain diseases and emphasizes pharmacological treatment to …show more content…
The biomedical approach to this issue has only touched the surface of mental illness by practicing the diagnoses and pharmaceutical treatment of mental illness. However, the public health approach allows more in-depth research into these issues. Public health measures for this cause are geared toward making sure that more preemptive methods are created to ensure that individuals are not subjected to the effects of the biomedical approach. By gaining more funding for prevention and early onset screenings, we can decrease the costly effects of behavioral illnesses for individuals who possess them and the criminal justice system. The future benefits of those who suffer from mental illness, will be the cause of public health initiatives. And to that, the traditionalized damage that is brought upon by practices such as the biomedical approach will be decreased, if not