The medical model refers to a psychosocial philosophical approach with the assumption that mental health issues are caused by biological anomalies, specifically those that take place on a physiological level. It views issues such as depression and anxiety as diseases or disorders to be treated, rather than as issues that may be caused by social or environmental factors. Generally speaking, the medical model forms the basis for how health professionals view and treat mental illness, and is typically focused on identifying biological causes and developing interventions to mitigate or change these biological anomalies.

See also: dependent origination, biological machine, scientific revolution, conceptual framework, western enlightenment