What is a disorder in medical terms
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Understanding Medical Disorders: Definitions and Criteria
Definition of Medical Disorder
A medical disorder is defined as a relatively distinct condition resulting from an organismic dysfunction. This dysfunction, when fully developed or in its extreme form, is directly and intrinsically associated with distress, disability, or other types of disadvantage, which may be physical, perceptual, sexual, or interpersonal in nature. This definition implies a call for action from the affected individual, medical professionals, and society1.
Mental Disorder as a Subset of Medical Disorder
Mental disorders are considered a subset of medical disorders. They are characterized primarily by psychological (behavioral) signs or symptoms, or physical symptoms that can only be understood using psychological concepts. This categorization helps in distinguishing mental disorders from other medical conditions and provides a framework for their diagnosis and treatment1.
Harmful Dysfunction Analysis
The harmful dysfunction (HD) analysis is a hybrid approach that incorporates both value and scientific components. According to this analysis, a condition is considered a disorder if it is negatively valued (harmful) and results from a failure of some internal mechanism to perform a function for which it was biologically designed. This approach applies to both physical and mental conditions and emphasizes the importance of both societal values and biological dysfunction in defining disorders2 8.
Distinction Between Syndrome, Disorder, and Disease
- Syndrome: A syndrome is a constellation of signs and symptoms that occur together and covary over time.
- Disorder: A disorder is a collection of signs and symptoms with known associated features presumed to be related.
- Disease: A disease is an involuntary physiological or biological illness with an underlying cause3.
Medical Model of Mental Disorders
The medical model of mental disorders views these conditions as illnesses that can be diagnosed based on symptoms and treated with the aim of curing them. This model suggests that mental disorders are substandard conditions, often reducing the affected person's responsibility and categorizing the condition as physical and biological. It also implies that society should handle mental disorders similarly to physical illnesses4.
Cognitive and Psychological Aspects of Mental Disorders
Mental disorders encompass cognitive and psychological conditions that are distressing or detrimental to functioning. Cognitive disorders are common in late life and present unique challenges, often accompanied by behavioral and psychological symptoms. Identifying cognitive and biomarker features is crucial for improving the detection and treatment of these disorders, especially among older individuals6.
Cultural and Social Influences
The understanding of what constitutes a disorder is influenced by cultural norms and values. Some theorists argue that mental illness is a term for behaviors and experiences that do not fit cultural norms. However, this view can obscure the real difficulties faced by individuals with mental disorders. A balanced approach that considers both the medical model and cultural influences is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of mental disorders7.
Conclusion
In medical terms, a disorder is a condition resulting from an organismic dysfunction that causes distress, disability, or disadvantage. Mental disorders are a subset of medical disorders characterized by psychological symptoms. The harmful dysfunction analysis provides a framework that incorporates both societal values and biological dysfunction. Understanding the distinctions between syndromes, disorders, and diseases, as well as the influence of cultural norms, is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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