Question

Write a brief note on the following:

Medical model of abnormal behaviour

Answer 1

The medical model of abnormal behavior views mental disorders as illnesses, similar to physical diseases. According to this model, abnormal behavior is caused by biological factors such as genetic inheritance, chemical imbalances in the brain, or damage to the nervous system.

It suggests that just like physical illnesses, mental disorders can be diagnosed, treated, and sometimes cured using medical methods. Treatment usually involves medication, brain-based therapies, or even surgery in extreme cases.

While the medical model has helped in understanding and treating many mental illnesses, it is sometimes criticized for ignoring the psychological, social, and environmental causes of abnormal behavior. It focuses more on symptoms than on the person’s experiences and emotions.