Neural-biopsychosocial (NBPS) Model
The Neural-biopsychosocial, also known as the Neurobiopsychosocial (NBPS) Model, was introduced and developed by Dr. David L. Priede, PhD, and advances our understanding of health.
This model emphasizes an integrative approach that combines conventional medicine with the most well-researched, evidence-based complementary therapies to achieve the appropriate care for each person, suggesting that we must consider the entire picture to comprehend a person's health. It's akin to assembling a puzzle, where each piece represents a different aspect of what contributes to our well-being.
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A Comprehensive Framework for Integrative Health
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Integrative Perspective: The NBPS model emphasizes the importance of viewing health and illness by integrating neurological, biological, psychological, and social factors.
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Personalized Treatment: By considering the interplay of various components affecting health, healthcare providers can create tailored treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs.
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Interconnected Factors: The model highlights that health issues often arise from the interaction of multiple elements rather than being isolated to a single cause.
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Technological Advancements: The NBPS model incorporates modern technologies, such as neuroimaging to enhance the understanding and treatment of health conditions.
From Brain to Behavior: Rethinking Health with the NBPS Model
The neural-biopsychosocial (NBPS) model advances on the traditional biopsychosocial model by incorporating neurological factors as a distinct component in understanding health and illness. While the biopsychosocial model, introduced by George Engel in 1977, provided a more holistic approach to healthcare by considering biological, psychological, and social factors, the NBPS model further refines this perspective by recognizing the role of the brain and nervous system.
This enhanced model acknowledges that neurological processes play a fundamental role in mediating the interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. By incorporating the "neural" component, the NBPS model offers a more comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate interplay of factors that influence an individual's health and well-being.
The NBPS model's inclusion of neurological factors enables a deeper understanding of how brain function and neural pathways contribute to health outcomes, providing new insights into diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. This expanded approach enables healthcare providers to develop more targeted and effective interventions that address the full spectrum of influences on a patient's condition.
1. Neurological Influences
The brain is the central hub of human health, integrating our physical, mental, and social well‑being. Biologically, it regulates every vital system — from heart rate and hormones to immune responses, sleep cycles, and pain perception — shaping how the body manages stress, heals, and maintains balance. It is also the source of our thoughts, emotions, and cognitive abilities, guiding memory, focus, learning, and mood.
And because it drives connection, empathy, and social behavior, the brain profoundly influences our relationships and sense of belonging. By understanding how the brain orchestrates these physical, psychological, and social dimensions, we gain a clearer path to supporting whole‑person health.
2. Biological Influences
A blend of biological and environmental factors shapes our health. Biologically, our genes, medical history, and past illnesses or injuries influence everything from disease risk to how our bodies heal. A family history can raise the likelihood of heart disease, certain cancers, or type 2 diabetes, while past infections or autoimmune conditions can leave lasting effects on immune function and overall resilience.
Our genetic makeup also affects how we metabolize nutrients and respond to medications. But biology is only part of the picture. Environmental factors — including access to healthy food and clean water, exposure to toxins, daily stress levels, and the stability of our living conditions — play an equally powerful role in determining long‑term health outcomes.
3. Psychological Influences
Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—our psychological state—play a significant role in our health, sometimes independently of our biology. For example, constant stress from work or relationships can cause headaches or weaken your immune system, even without an apparent biological reason. Negative thinking and feelings of loneliness can lead to depression and physical problems.
Similarly, suppressing emotions can increase tension and the risk of high blood pressure. Our mental state can have a profound impact on our physical health, even in the absence of a direct biological link. Therefore, considering these psychological factors is necessary to understand overall well-being. Our thoughts and feelings can directly affect our physical health.
4. Social Influences
Social factors shape health through a web of interconnected influences. Major life changes and societal pressures can heighten stress, increasing the risk of both mental and physical health challenges. Unsafe environments, limited access to resources, discrimination, and weak social support systems all contribute to poorer outcomes and persistent inequities.
These social conditions are determinants of well‑being, making it essential to address them in any effort to promote lasting health and equity. Strong community networks, stable housing, and supportive relationships can buffer these risks and promote resilience. When social environments improve, health outcomes often improve right alongside them.
Application of the Neural-biopsychosocial Model
The neural-biopsychosocial (NBPS) model proposes that the interconnected workings of biological systems (including the brain and nervous system), psychological systems (mind and emotions), and social systems (environment and cultural contexts) influence each other. According to this model, none of these components is sufficient to determine health or illness; rather, the deep interrelation of all aspects of a person's life is key in shaping health outcomes.
Effective health promotion, therefore, must address all of these components. A growing body of research demonstrates that health status, perceptions of health, and sociocultural factors that create barriers to accessing health care collectively influence an individual’s likelihood of engaging in health-promoting behaviors, such as medication adherence, proper nutrition, and physical activity. Understanding these complex interactions is necessary for supporting overall well-being.
Case Study: Applying the Neural-biopsychosocial Model to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
To illustrate the practical application of the Neural-biopsychosocial Model, let's consider a case study of PTSD treatment using EEG-guided neurofeedback.
Background
A 35-year-old military veteran presented with symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive memories, nightmares, and hypervigilance. These symptoms significantly impacted his daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Application of the Neural-biopsychosocial Model
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Brain Function Component: A combined MRI and PET scan provided the initial roadmap, revealing both the structural and metabolic patterns associated with PTSD. The MRI offered a detailed look at the brain’s anatomy, while the PET scan highlighted abnormal activity in key stress‑ and fear‑related circuits. Building on these findings, EEG‑guided neurofeedback was used to target the condition's neurological aspects. This approach leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity, allowing the patient to actively participate in reshaping his own activity patterns. The neurofeedback sessions focused on regulating the brain‑wave signatures most closely linked to PTSD symptoms.
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Biological Component: The treatment plan thoroughly evaluated the patient's physical health, including hormone levels and sleep patterns. Sleep quality was monitored and improved through a combination of neurofeedback and behavioral interventions. For example, as his sleep improved through neurofeedback and behavioral techniques, he also reported increased energy levels and improved focus during the day.
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Psychological Component: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was integrated into the treatment plan to address the psychological aspects of PTSD. This helped the patient develop coping strategies and reframe traumatic memories. The improved focus from the biological interventions enhanced the effectiveness of CBT, allowing him to engage more deeply with the therapy.
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Social Component: The treatment approach included family therapy sessions and participation in a support group to address the social aspects of recovery. This helped improve the patient's relationships, for example, by enabling him to communicate more openly and calmly with his spouse. This led him to feel more supported and connected.
Outcome
By addressing all components of the NBPS model, the patient experienced significant improvement in PTSD symptoms.
Conclusion
The Neural-biopsychosocial (NBPS) Model represents a shift in how we understand and approach health. Integrating neurological function into the biopsychosocial framework helps clinicians, researchers, and educators to see the complete picture of well-being. This model not only enhances diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness but also reinforces the importance of treating individuals, not just symptoms.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the NBPS Model stands as a guiding framework for personalized, integrative, and compassionate care—where brain, body, mind, and society are all part of the healing equation.
The future of healthcare lies in integrative models that recognize the complexity of human health and behavior. As our understanding of neuroplasticity and brain health continues to evolve, the neural-biopsychosocial model will likely play an important role in developing innovative and effective treatments.
