According to the medical model, what characterizes mental illness?

The medical model of mental illness characterizes mental health issues as disorders that typically involve a dysfunction in psychological processes. This framework emphasizes that mental disorders are not simply responses to stress or social factors but are often rooted in biological or psychological dysfunctions that can cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.

In this perspective, mental illnesses are viewed similarly to physical illnesses, where identifiable symptoms and underlying issues can be documented. This model lends itself to diagnoses and treatments that are akin to those used for other medical conditions, aiming to remedy the psychological processes that are not functioning optimally.

In contrast, while factors such as a lack of social support, an inability to cope with stressors, and temporary predispositions can certainly influence mental health and contribute to the experience of mental illness, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of the medical model. The model specifically seeks to pinpoint the dysfunction within psychological processes that necessitates clinical intervention, firmly established in diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies.