Storylines of family medicine II: foundational building blocks-context, community and health.

Storylines of Family Medicine is a 12-part series of thematically linked mini-essays with accompanying illustrations that explore the many dimensions of family medicine, as interpreted by individual family physicians and medical educators in the USA and elsewhere around the world. In 'II: foundational building blocks-context, community and health', authors address the following themes: 'Context-grounding family medicine in time, place and being', 'Recentring community', 'Community-oriented primary care', 'Embeddedness in practice', 'The meaning of health', 'Disease, illness and sickness-core concepts', 'The biopsychosocial model', 'The biopsychosocial approach' and 'Family medicine as social medicine.' May readers grasp new implications for medical education and practice in these essays.

How Do We Treat Children with Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome and Is the Biopsychosocial Model Also Being Applied? A Scoping Review.

Background: Evidence-based guidelines for managing anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) in children are absent. The primary aim of this review was to scrutinize the evidence supporting currently used treatment interventions. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for managing chronic pain in children, these patients and their families and caregivers should be treated within the context of the biopsychosocial model; pain should not be treated purely as a biomedical problem. Therefore, our second aim was to evaluate whether these interventions are applied within the context of the biopsychosocial model, utilizing an inter- or multidisciplinary approach. Materials and Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted to explore treatment strategies for ACNES in children. To ensure a comprehensive overview of published literature on this topic, the search was not restricted based on study type. Two reviewers independently assessed titles and abstracts. After excluding records unrelated to children, full texts were screened for inclusion. Any discrepancies in judgement were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Results: Out of 35 relevant titles, 22 were included in this review. Only 4 articles provided information on long-term outcomes. The overall quality of the review was deemed low. The majority of reports did not address treatment or education within the psychological and social domains. A structural qualitative analysis was not feasible due to the substantial heterogeneity of the data. Conclusion: The evidence supporting current treatment strategies in children with ACNES is of low quality. More research is needed to establish an evidence-based treatment algorithm for patients with this challenging pain problem. In line with the WHO recommendation, greater emphasis should be placed on a biopsychosocial approach. The ultimate goal should be the development of a generic treatment algorithm outlining an approach to ACNES applicable to all professionals involved.

The use of a biopsychosocial model in the treatment of patients with chronic.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the available knowledge on the application of biopsychosocial model (BPS) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: A scoping review, including 32 papers that used a BPS to manage adult patients with CLBP, published in any language. Six different databases were searched. RESULTS: According to the description of the protocols, most of them use BPS for assessment of the patients. In this first stage the most often evaluated were pain and disability, kinesiophobia and quality of life, and work-related factors. The intervention most used associate psychological and physical domains using pain education or cognitive functional therapy and active exercise. Even though was not the most common, in the social domain occupational, behavioral and family interventions were observed. CONCLUSION: BPS is more often used as combination of physical and psychological aspects, being the social domain restricted to work-related factors. Patien'ts perception of their health status is little explored, and it is suggested that the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health be used. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Patient perception as well as social factors in addition to occupational ones should be included in the clinical approach of the patient with CLBP and should be further explored in research.

Physical therapist-led interventions based on the biopsychosocial model provide improvement in disability and pain for spinal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effects of physical therapist-led interventions based on the biopsychosocial (BPS) model in spinal disorders compared to interventions with no BPS model through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. TYPE: Systematic review and meta-analysis. LITERATURE SURVEY: We searched the Web of Science, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PEDro up to October 27, 2022. METHODOLOGY: Pain intensity and disability were primary outcomes and psychological factors were secondary outcomes in spinal disorders. The included intervention was physical therapist-led interventions based on the BPS model. The control group received no physiotherapy intervention for BPS. Pooled effects were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. The subgroup analysis was divided into low back pain group and neck pain group. Another subgroup analysis was conducted only of the groups that had received training of the BPS model. SYNTHESIS: Fifty-seven studies with 5471 participants met the inclusion criteria. For pain intensity, there was a statistically significant effect for the BPS model led by physical therapists in the short, medium, and long terms. The SMDs with 95% CIs were -0.44 (-0.62, -0.27), -0.24 (-0.37, -0.12), and -0.17 (-0.28, -0.06), respectively. Outcomes were clinically significant, except in the long term. For disability, there was a statistically significant effect in the short, medium, and long terms. The SMDs with 95% CIs were -0.48 (-0.69, -0.27), -0.44 (-0.64, -0.25), and -0.37 (-0.58, -0.15), respectively. All periods were clinically significant. The quality of the evidence was low for all of the main outcomes for all of the terms. CONCLUSION: Physical therapist-led interventions based on the BPS model effectively improve pain intensity and disability in patients with spinal disorders based on low-quality evidence.

Predictors of the Social Participation of Adults with Down Syndrome: An Analysis Based on the Biopsychosocial Model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify the predictors of social participation in Down syndrome adults from the biopsychosocial model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. METHODS: An exploratory, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with Down syndrome adults. The social participation was assessed using the Life Habits Assessment. The independent variables were determined using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health biopsychosocial model: body functions were assessed by body mass index, cognition function (Mini-Mental State Examination), and lower limbs muscle strength (Sit-to-Stand Test). Activities were assessed by the 8-Foot Up and Go Test. Environmental factors were assessed by the measure of the quality of the environment, and personal factors were assessed by age, sex, and education level. RESULTS: The total Life Habits Assessment score indicates that individuals show moderate restriction in social participation, with major restriction in the education, employment, and responsibilities domains. The 8-Foot Up and Go Test was the best social participation predictor variable, followed by Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Sit-to-Stand Test. Contextual factors were not predictors of participation. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that individuals with Down syndrome present the most restrictions to social participation in activities that involve social roles. The predictors influencing social participation are functional mobility, cognition, and lower limb muscle strength.

Endometriose e saúde sexual feminina ­ desafios, tratamento, perfil epidemiológico e impactos biopsicossociais: uma revisão integrativa / Endometriosis and female sexual health ­challenges, treatment, epidemiological profile and biopsychosocial impacts: an integrative review / Endometriosis y salud sexual femenina ­desafíos, tratamiento, perfil epidemiológico e impactos biopsicosociales: una revisión integradora

Introdução:A endometriose consiste em uma patologia ginecológica bastante prevalente emmulheres de múltiplas faixas etárias, consistindo em um desafio constante para a fertilidade, sexualidade e demais aspectos da qualidade de vida.Objetivo:Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico, formas de tratamento e os aspectos biopsicossociais associados à saúde sexual das mulheres com endometriose. Metodologia:Esta é uma revisão integrativa da literatura cujapergunta norteadorafoi "Como a endometriose influencia nos aspectos biopsicossociais inerentes ao comportamento sexual feminino?". Foi aplicada a estratégia de busca "Endometriose AND Dispareunia AND Qualidade de Vida" na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e sua versão em inglês "EndometriosisAND DyspareuniaAND Quality of Life" na base de dados PubMed, com ofiltro"últimos10anos"aplicadoemambasasplataformas.Critérios de inclusão: estudos que abordassem mulheres cisgênero, em idade fértil,com vida sexual ativa, diagnóstico prévio de endometriose pélvica ou profunda e distúrbios ou queixas sexuais. Critério de exclusão: artigos que contemplassem mulheres em uso de psicofármacos. Resultados:Inicialmente,foram obtidos 227 artigos. Apósanálise primária, 189 estudos foram excluídos, seguindo para a etapa seguinte apenas 38. Destes, somente 15 atenderam aos critérios e foram considerados válidos para compor o presente estudo.No âmbito sexual, a endometriose pode acarretar aredução da frequência das relações, sangramentos durante ou após o coito, desinteresse em preliminares, desconforto em certas posições, términos de relacionamentos, conflitos conjugais, e, sobretudo, dispareunia.Conclusões:Diante dos prejuízos em diversos âmbitos da vida e bem-estar feminino causados pela endometriose, faz-se indispensável maior qualificação dos serviços de saúde para o diagnóstico precoce e intervenções efetivas, bem como apoio, acolhimento e acompanhamento multiprofissional contínuo. Além disso, a adaptação, compreensão e solicitude dos parceiros são fundamentais para que as mulheres sejam capazes de melhor gerenciar tais desafios (AU).

Introduction:Endometriosis is a gynecological pathology that is quite prevalent among women of multiple age groups, representing a constant challenge to fertility, sexuality, and other aspects of quality of life.Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological profile, forms of treatment and biopsychosocial aspects associated with the sexual health of women with endometriosis.Methodology:This is an integrative review of the literature whose guiding question was "How does endometriosis influence the biopsychosocial aspects inherent to female sexual behavior?". The search strategy "Endometriosis AND Dyspareunia AND Quality of Life" was applied in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) and in the PubMed database, with the "last 10 years" filter applied on both platforms. Inclusion criteria: studies that addressed cisgender women, of childbearing age, with active sexual life, previous diagnosis of pelvic or deep endometriosis and sexual disorders or complaints. Exclusion criteria: articles that included women using psychotropic drugs. Results:Initially, 227 articles were obtained. After primary analysis, 189 studies were excluded, only 38 going on to the next stage. Of these, only 15 met the criteria and were considered valid to be part of the present study. In the sexual sphere, endometriosis can lead to a reduction in the frequency of intercourse, bleeding during or after coitus, lack of interest in foreplay, discomfort in certain positions, relationship endings, marital conflicts, and, above all, dyspareunia.Conclusions:Given the damage to various areas of life and female well-being caused by endometriosis, it is essential to improve the quality of health services for early diagnosis and effective interventions, as well as support, reception, and continuous multidisciplinary monitoring. Furthermore, adaptation, understanding and concern from partners are fundamental for women to be able to better manage such challenges (AU).

Introducción:La endometriosis esuna patología ginecológica bastante prevalente en mujeres de múltiples grupos etarios, que supone un reto constante para la fertilidad, la sexualidad y otros aspectos de la calidad de vida.Objetivo:Evaluar elperfil epidemiológico, las formas de tratamiento y los aspectos biopsicosociales asociados a la salud sexual de las mujeres con endometriosis.Metodología:Se trata de una revisión integradora cuya pregunta orientadora fue "¿Cómo influye la endometriosis en los aspectos biopsicosociales inherentes a la conducta sexual femenina?".Se aplicó la estrategia de búsqueda "Endometriosis AND Dispareunia AND Calidad de Vida" en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS) y su versión en inglés en PubMed, con el filtro "últimos 10 años" enambas plataformas. Criterios de inclusión: estudios dirigidos a mujeres cisgénero en edad fértil, con vida sexual activa, diagnóstico previo de endometriosis pélvica o profunda, y trastornos o quejas sexuales. Criteriode exclusión: artículos que incluían mujeres usuarias de psicofármacos.Resultados:Inicialmente se obtuvieron 227 artículos. Después del análisis primario, se excluyeron 189 estudios y solo 38 pasaran a la siguiente etapa. De estos, solo 15 cumplieron con los criterios y seconsideraron válidos para el presente estudio. En el ámbito sexual, la endometriosis puede provocar reducción de la frecuencia de relaciones sexuales, sangrado durante o después de las relaciones sexuales, falta de interés por los juegos previos, molestias en determinadas posiciones, rupturas, conflictos matrimoniales y, sobre todo, dispareunia.Conclusiones:Ante los daños causados por la endometriosis en diversos ámbitos de la vida y el bienestar de las mujeres, es indispensable mejorar la calidad de losservicios de salud para el diagnóstico precoz y las intervenciones efectivas, así como apoyo, acogida y seguimiento multidisciplinar continuo. Además, la adaptación, comprensión y solicitud de las parejas son fundamentales para que las mujeres puedan gestionar mejor estos desafíos (AU).

Community perceptions of a biopsychosocial model of integrated care in the health center: the case of 4 health districts in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: Biopsychosocial care is one of the approaches recommended in the health system by the WHO. Although efforts are being made on the provider side to implement it and integrate it into the health system, the community dynamic also remains to be taken into account for its support. The objective of this study is to understand the community's perceptions of the concept of integrated health care management according to the biopsychosocial approach (BPS) at the Health Center of a Health District and its evaluation in its implementation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in six Health Areas belonging to four Health Districts in South Kivu, DRC. We conducted 15 semi-directive individual interviews with 9 respondents selected by convenience, including 6 members of the Development Committees of the Health Areas, with whom we conducted 12 interviews and 3 patients met in the health centers. The adapted Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) tool, derived from the Theory of the Normalization Process of Complex Interventions, allowed us to collect data from November 2017 to February 2018, and then from November 2018 to February 2019. After data extraction and synthesis, we conducted a thematic analysis using the NoMAD tool to build a thematic framework. Six themes were grouped into three categories. RESULTS: Initially, community reports that the BPS approach of integrated care in the Health Centre is understood differently by providers; but then, through collective coordination and integrated leadership within the health care team, the approach becomes clearer. The community encouraged some practices identified as catalysts to help the approach, notably the development of financial autonomy and mutual support, to the detriment of those identified as barriers. According to the community, the BPS model has further strengthened the performance of health workers and should be expanded and sustained. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show the importance of community dynamics in the care of biopsychosocial situations by providers. The barriers and catalysts to the mechanism, both community-based and professional, identified in our study should be considered in the process of integrating the biopsychosocial model of person-centered health care.

[Psychiatric Applications of "Avatar-based Communication": Considerations from the Biopsychosocial Model Perspective].

In this paper, we consider the application of "avatar-based communication" to psychiatric care from the perspective of the biopsychosocial model. There are various possible medical applications of avatar-based communication. It has the potential to provide online convenience and liberate humans from the constraints of reality, enable cognitive interventions through body augmentation technology, and even influence biological factors.

Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a Biopsychosocial Model of Borderline Personality Disorder.

ABSTRACT: This review offers a critique of recent attempts to reconceptualize some cases of borderline personality disorder (BPD) within the newer diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The CPTSD construct focuses on the role of childhood trauma in shaping relational problems in adulthood, difficulties that have been previously seen as features of a personality disorder. The CPTSD model fails to consider the role of heritable personality traits, as well as a broader range of psychosocial risk factors. This review proposes that a biopsychosocial model of BPD is more comprehensive, taking into account a wider range of risk factors, while viewing BPD as rooted in gene-environment interactions. In this model, heritable traits are amplified by an adverse psychosocial environment. One can acknowledge the role of trauma as a risk factor without assuming that it fully accounts for the development of personality pathology.

Linguagem e funcionalidade pela CIF e grupo fonoaudiológico na percepção de pessoas com Doença de Parkinson / Lenguaje y funcionalidade por la CIF y grupo fonoaudiológico en la percepción de personas con Enfermedad de Parkinson / Language, functioning by ICF and SLP group intervention in the perception of people with Parkinson Disease

Introdução: O envelhecimento e a presença de doenças crônicas como a Doença de Parkinson (DP) podem gerar incapacidade e afetar a vida da pessoa, sendo que a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF), na perspectiva biopsicossocial, permite conhecer a funcionalidade na DP. Objetivo: Investigar a funcionalidade de pessoas com Doença de Parkinson em atendimento fonoaudiológico grupal, tomando a CIF como base conceitual. Método: Pesquisa transversal, aprovada pelo CEP, com 10 participantes com DP, em atendimento fonoaudiológico grupal. Foi elaborado roteiro de entrevista para coleta do perfil sociodemográfico e questionário autoaplicável para coleta da autopercepção nas categorias da CIF em entrevistas com os participantes em três encontros grupais videogravados, com duração de 35 minutos cada. Para estabelecimento de parâmetros de referência, duas juízas fonoaudiólogas classificaram as respostas nas mesmas categorias. Resultados: Os participantes relataram prejuízos em Funções do Corpo (voz, articulação, fluência e do ritmo da fala, movimentos involuntários), dificuldades em Atividades e Participação (fala, conversação, uso fino da mão, andar, vestir-se, realização de tarefas domésticas, e recreação e lazer) e barreiras nos Fatores Ambientais. Em 60% dos casos a concordância entre participantes e juízas foi discreta, 30% regular, e em um caso (10%) foi forte. Conclusão: Os resultados mostram as dificuldades de linguagem e de funcionalidade na percepção das próprias pessoas com DP, conferindo um caráter original à pesquisa por dar voz a elas e trazer subsídios para o cuidado centrado na pessoa, transpondo, assim, a visão biomédica da atenção centrada na doença. (AU)

ntroduction: Aging and the presence of chronic diseases such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) can generate disability and affect a person's life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), from a biopsychosocial perspective, allows studying the functioning in PD. Objective: To investigate the functioning of people with PD in a speech-language pathology (SLP) group, taking the ICF as a conceptual basis. Method: Cross-sectional study, approved by the Ethics Committee, with 10 participants with PD, in SLP group. An interview script was developed to collect the sociodemographic profile and a self-administered questionnaire to collect self- perception in the ICF categories in interviews with participants in three videotaped group meetings, lasting 35 minutes each. To establish a reference parameter, two SLP with experience in the ICF (judges) classified the answers in the same categories. Results: Participants reported impairments in Body Functions (voice, articulation, fluency and rhythm of speech, involuntary movements), difficulties in Activities and Participation (speech, conversation, fine use of the hand, walking, dressing, performing household chores, and recreation and leisure) and barriers in Environmental Factors. In 60% of the cases, the agreement between participants and judges was slight, 30% regular, and in one case (10%) it was strong. Conclusion: The results showed language and functioning difficulties in the perception of people with PD, giving an original character to the research by giving them a voice and bringing subsidies to person-centered care, thus transposing the biomedical view of disease-centered care. (AU)

Introducción: El envejecimiento y la presencia de enfermedades crónicas como la Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) pueden generar incapacidad y afectar a la vida de la persona, siendo que en la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, Incapacidad y Salud (CIF), en la perspectiva biopsicosocial, permite conocer el funcionamiento en la EP. Objetivo: Investigar el funcionamiento de personas con EP en la intervención fonoaudiológica grupal, tomando la CIF como base conceptual. Método: Estudio transversal aprobado por el CEP (Comité de Ética) con 10 participantes con EP, en tratamiento fonoaudilógico grupal. Se elaboró un guion de entrevista para colección de perfil sociodemográfico y un cuestionario autoaplicable para recopilar la autopercepción en las categorías de la CIF en entrevistas con los participantes en tres encuentros grupales videograbados, con una duración promedio de 35 minutos cada uno. Para establecer parámetros de referencia, dos juezas fonoaudiólogas clasificaron las respuestas en las mismas categorías. Resultados: Los participantes informaron déficit en las Funciones del Cuerpo (voz, articulación, fluidez y ritmo del habla, movimientos involuntarios), dificultades en las Actividades y Participación (habla, conversación, uso fino de la mano, caminar, vestirse, realizar las tareas domésticas, y recreación y ocio) y barreras en Factores Ambientales. En el 60% de los casos la concordancia entre participantes y juezas fue discreta, en el 30% fue regular y en un caso (10%) fue fuerte. Conclusión: Los resultados mostraron las dificultades de lenguaje y funcionamiento en la percepción de las propias personas con EP, dando un carácter original al estudio por darles voz y traer subsidios para el cuidado centrado en la persona, transponiendo así, la visión biomédica de la atención centrada en la enfermedad. (AU)

Navigating Life With HIV as an Older Adult on the Kenyan Coast: Perceived Health Challenges Seen Through the Biopsychosocial Model.

Objectives: This study explores the perceptions of adults living with HIV aged ≥50 years (recognized as older adults living with HIV-OALWH), primary caregivers and healthcare providers on the health challenges of ageing with HIV at Kilifi, a low literacy setting on the coast of Kenya. Methods: We utilized the biopsychosocial model to explore views from 34 OALWH and 22 stakeholders on the physical, mental, and psychosocial health challenges of ageing with HIV in Kilifi in 2019. Data were drawn from semi-structured in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. A framework approach was used to synthesize the data. Results: Symptoms of common mental disorders, comorbidities, somatic symptoms, financial difficulties, stigma, and discrimination were viewed as common. There was also an overlap of perceived risk factors across the physical, mental, and psychosocial health domains, including family conflicts and poverty. Conclusion: OALWH at the Kenyan coast are perceived to be at risk of multiple physical, mental, and psychosocial challenges. Future research should quantify the burden of these challenges and examine the resources available to these adults.

Conceptualising migraine attacks from a biopsychosocial model using qualitative and functional behavioural analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences and management of pain in connection with a migraine attack in episodic migraine. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: This qualitative study used a semi-structured interview format based on functional behavioural analysis as commonly used in cognitive behavioural therapy. We interviewed eight participants and analysed their responses using systematic text condensation. RESULTS: Participants' descriptions of their experiences and management of pain from episodic migraine were sorted into three description First physical sensations, Automatic reactions and Acts according to the interpretation. CONCLUSION: From a biopsychosocial perspective, a migraine attack is much more complex than just an experience of pain. The purely biological pain prompts a number of automatic reactions leading to strategies for pain management.

Functional behavioural analysis can increase our understanding of experiences during a migraine attack from a biopsychosocial pain perspective.Several pain mechanisms appear to be relevant during the experience of a migraine attack than are described in the diagnostic criteria for migraine.Pain management consists of a chain of behaviours, approaches to the migraine attack and medication and the consequences of pain management.Knowledge and understanding of patients' experiences of pain and pain management during a migraine attack is an important tool in the biopsychosocial model.

Biopsychosocial Model of Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Trauma is nearly ubiquitous among women experiencing homelessness (WEH). WEH develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at rates far exceeding the general population. The consequences of untreated PTSD can cascade, exacerbating existing physical, mental, and social health inequities, placing this population at risk for disproportionate biopsychosocial health adversity. Despite the outsized impact of PTSD, WEH are less likely to access or receive appropriate trauma-focused services. Understanding the unique and intersecting factors that contribute to the disproportionate PTSD toll on WEH may elucidate risk and protective factors, as well as possible intervention pathways to address the disparate trauma burden. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to develop understanding of the determinants of trauma risk, exposure, and outcomes among WEH. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 WEH, six shelter staff, four mental health professionals. Six deductively biopsychosocial model-derived themes were identified, alongside supporting categories. Themes/categories highlighted the role of biological, psychological, and socio-environmental determinants in shaping risk for and actualization of traumatic events and adverse outcomes. Trauma played an outsized role in shaping the health of WEH participants in this study, and the need for and interest in tailored trauma screening, treatment, psychoeducation options was highlighted. Recursive relationships between biopsychosocial determinants and trauma impact were identified. Participants emphasized population tailored trauma-focused interventions, specifically brief co-designed and community partner implemented interventions that address substance use behaviors, while leveraging the strengths of WEH. Addressing the marked trauma burden in WEH shows promise in promoting measurable biopsychosocial health improvements in this resilient yet overlooked population.

Theories of psychopathology: Introduction to a special section.

This special section on theories of psychopathology provides an opportunity to collect the emergent, cross-cutting scholarship that is challenging traditional approaches to understanding mental illness. Here, we appraise the state of theory in the field and emphasize the pitfalls of working in the context of overly flexible, unchallenged, and essentially unchallengeable theoretic models, such as the biopsychosocial model, which we argue has become the de facto theoretic model for our field. We further posit that theoretic shortcomings are contributing to the often-referenced pessimism regarding our progress in understanding and treating mental illness, and introduce the charge of the authors of the papers in this section to articulate novel, falsifiable theories of psychopathology. We briefly touch on the intertwined issue of how to define psychopathology and discuss a key issue raised by the array of papers comprising the section, namely how to conceptualize the spatiotemporal boundaries of complex causal systems. We then use this schematic for understanding how these theories relate to each other and to the vanilla biopsychosocial model they are vying to replace. Ultimately, it is our belief and hope that progress in theoretic thinking will catalyze faster progress in research and improvements to and novel developments in clinical prevention and intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction in couples using a biopsychosocial model.

BACKGROUND: Given the complexity of the psychological and biological pathologies associated with sexual dysfunction, which affects at least a third of adult women and men worldwide, a multidisciplinary approach has been advocated. AIM: To assess sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and mood stability pre- and post- treatment at the Loyola University Sexual Wellness Program. METHODS: Couples attending the 6-week multidisciplinary Sexual Wellness Program provided consent and completed pre- and post- intervention assessments. Linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the mean change from baseline to first follow-up. A covariance matrix was used to account for dependency. OUTCOMES: All patients completed self-reported surveys: Dyadic Adjustment Scale, PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Brief Profile (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information), and International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: There were 85 respondents: 42 men and 43 women. The mean age was 49.82 years (range, 25-77). The largest improvement was on the total Dyadic Adjustment Scale score, which increased by approximately 5.18 points (95% CI, 2.55-7.81). PROMIS scores for global satisfaction with sex life, erectile function, and interest in sexual activity significantly increased from baseline, while the vaginal discomfort score significantly declined. Overall the score for global satisfaction with sex life increased from baseline by approximately 5.57 points (95% CI, 3.03-8.10). On average, men reported a 4.33-point increase (95% CI, 0.04-8.62) in their International Index of Erectile Function score from baseline. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A multidisciplinary treatment approach focused on the couple positively affects a couple's relationship, including global satisfaction with sex life, relationship satisfaction, interest in sexual activity, and erectile function. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is one of the few to document the effects of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for both members of a heterosexual couple-male and female. Limitations include the narrow demographics and lack of a control group in our population. Furthermore, this was completed at 1 academic center. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize that multidisciplinary sexual therapy programs aimed at the couple can help address multiple aspects of sexual well-being.

Neurophysiological and psychosocial mechanisms of fibromyalgia: A comprehensive review and call for an integrative model.

Research into the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia has progressed remarkably in recent years. Despite this, current accounts of fibromyalgia fail to capture the complex, dynamic, and mutual crosstalk between neurophysiological and psychosocial domains. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature in order to: a) synthesize current knowledge on fibromyalgia; b) explore and highlight multi-level links and pathways between different systems; and c) build bridges connecting disparate perspectives. An extensive panel of international experts in neurophysiological and psychosocial aspects of fibromyalgia discussed the collected evidence and progressively refined and conceptualized its interpretation. This work constitutes an essential step towards the development of a model capable of integrating the main factors implicated in fibromyalgia into a single, unified construct which appears indispensable to foster the understanding, assessment, and intervention for fibromyalgia.