Medical Model V. Developmental Model Term Paper

Analyzing holistic programs that deploy a cross-sectional approach are even more difficult to ascertain, in terms of isolating the causal factors that cause an improved response to treatment.

With another biological illness such depression, for example, "some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited...major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression." ("Depression," 2000, NIH) (This is also true of substance abuse -- there is a genetic predisposition, but not all abusers share such a genetic legacy.) Responses to anti-depressants also vary depending on the patient. "Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications," and combine medication with psychotherapy. ("Depression," 2000, NIH) Also, while a combined approach seems to present the best clinical outcome, certain depressed populations such as adolescents may exhibit increased suicidal ideation as a symptom. There is also no perfect balance to ascertain how and what kind of treatment certain individuals, affected by different levels of depression (or who abuse different substances) will benefit from in a perfectly reliable manner -- research indicates a tendency for some populations to benefit from some kinds of intervention, but there is no reliable formula to suggest a certain dosage combined with a certain number of hours of therapy will assuage the ailment.Works Cited

The Biological Model." (2004). The Science Museum: Making the Modern World.

Retrived 22 Jan 2006 at www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/learning_modules/psychology/02.TU.04/?secti

Chapter 2: Understanding Addiction, Substance Abuse Treatment, and Recovery

Blending Perspectives and Building Common Ground." (1999) a Report to Congress on Substance Abuse and Child Protection. April 1999. Retrived 22 Jan 2006 at http://aspe.hhs.gov/HSP/subabuse99/chap2.htm

Heinrich, Carolyn J. & Elizabeth Fournier. (2005) "Instruments of policy and administration for improving Substance Abuse treatment practice and program outcomes."Journal of Drug Issues. Summer 2005. Retrived 22 Jan 2006 at Depression." (2000) NIH Publication NO. 99-3561. Retrived 22 Jan 2006 at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm?Output=Print#ptdep2.....