Discuss Challenge orthodoxy by providing a critical and analytical argument about a current health and illness issue which can be or is related to Health Psychology, in order to produce a piece of work appropriate to master’s level with a degree of originality.

1. Demonstrate visual communication skills by designing an infographic highlighting a contemporary issue in current health and illness 2. Demonstrate written communication skills in presenting a logical and progressive argument on a current topic in Health Psychology. 3. Integrate and synthesise key issues raised around a chosen current topic in Health Psychology 4.Demonstrate visual communication skills by designing an infographic highlighting a contemporary issue in current health and illness 5. Challenge orthodoxy by providing a critical and analytical argument about a current health and illness issue which can be or is related to Health Psychology, in order to produce a piece of work appropriate to master’s level with a degree of originality. Make sure every picture used does not have copyright

Answer & Explanation

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One current health issue related to Health Psychology that challenges orthodoxy is the rising prevalence of chronic pain and the dominant medical approach to its treatment. Chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of adults globally, and despite the availability of a range of pharmacological and surgical interventions, many patients continue to experience significant disability, distress, and impaired quality of life.

The dominant medical approach to chronic pain management is based on the biomedical model, which views pain as a purely physical phenomenon caused by tissue damage or dysfunction. Treatment typically involves the prescription of opioid medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other painkillers, with the aim of reducing pain intensity and improving physical function.

However, recent research in Health Psychology has highlighted the limitations of this approach, and challenged the orthodoxy of pain as a purely physical phenomenon. Rather, there is growing recognition of the complex interplay between b

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Step-by-step explanation

iological, psychological, and social factors in the experience of chronic pain. This perspective is known as the biopsychosocial model of pain, which acknowledges the importance of psychological and social factors, such as emotional distress, social support, and cultural beliefs, in shaping the experience of pain.

Critically analyzing the biomedical model of chronic pain reveals several limitations. Firstly, it fails to account for the high rates of comorbidity between chronic pain and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Secondly, it overlooks the role of environmental and social factors such as poverty, discrimination, and access to healthcare in perpetuating pain and suffering. Finally, it has contributed to the overreliance on opioids for pain management, which has led to a global epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose.

Adopting a biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain management offers several advantages. Firstly, it acknowledges the complex and multidimensional nature of pain, and provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding the factors that contribute to its onset and maintenance. Secondly, it highlights the importance of addressing psychological and social factors in addition to physical symptoms, which may improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of opioid dependence. Finally, it supports a more patient-centered and collaborative approach to pain management, which empowers patients to participate in their own care and promotes a sense of self-efficacy and autonomy.

In conclusion, the rising prevalence of chronic pain and the limitations of the biomedical model of pain management challenge orthodoxy in the field of Health Psychology. Adopting a biopsychosocial approach offers a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to chronic pain management, which acknowledges the role of psychological and social factors in shaping the experience of pain. This critical and analytical argument provides a degree of originality by highlighting the need to re-evaluate and update traditional approaches to pain management.

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