The biopsychosocial paradigm in the system of social neurology and social neuropsychiatry

Modern science, when considering the biopsychosocial nature of neuropsychiatric disorders, recognizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach based on the philosophy of holism and the adaptive-compensatory concept. This concept states that systems and their properties should be viewed as globally integral and inseparable units, rather than as a simple sum of their individual parts. In recent years, researchers have focused on a deeper understanding of the biological components of neuropsychiatric conditions. This has led to the emergence of the concept of social neurology, which emphasizes the significance of biological factors in the development of both mental and neurological disorders. Proponents of this field actually focus on social-brain interactions while ignoring psychological factors. They use the term «psychological mechanisms» casually without providing a clear definition. However, it is worth noting that the theory of functional systems proposed by P.K. Anokhin views adaptive outcome as being beneficial for the system and the body as the primary system-forming element in the development of illness. In the case of mental health issues, such system-forming aspects are the biological and psychological adaptation and compensation abilities of individuals, which ultimately determine the character of their social functioning. Considering this circumstance, it appears that the concept of social neuropsychiatry, which has recently received terminological formalization, emphasizes the strengths of social neurology and, consequently, the need for in-depth study of the biological basis of suffering. At the same time, it draws attention to the importance of considering the fundamental principles of the bio-psycho-social concept, namely, the theory of functional systems, which is essential for understanding the adaptive-compensatory mechanisms of individuals. This situation allows us to talk about a new field of science, social neuropsychiatric, which essentially is a holistic approach to diagnosis.

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