Understanding the Term “Disorder” in Mental Health
Psychiatric diagnoses are often called "disorders" because the term reflects a deviation from typical functioning in thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that significantly impair a person’s ability to function in daily life. Here is a breakdown of why this terminology is used:
1. Clinical Purpose
The term "disorder" captures the presence of distressing symptoms and dysfunction. It distinguishes conditions that require clinical attention from transient or situational mental health concerns.
2. Medical and Scientific Framework
In psychiatry, as in other medical fields, "disorder" aligns with diagnostic criteria that guide treatment decisions. Classifications in manuals such as the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD (International Classification of Diseases) use the term to categorize and describe mental health conditions.
3. Flexibility Over Other Terms
"Disease" often implies a clear biological or structural cause (e.g., infections or organ damage), which is not always evident or necessary in psychiatric conditions. "Disorder" accommodates both biological and psychosocial factors contributing to mental health challenges.
Controversy and Evolving Perspectives
While "disorder" remains the dominant term, it is not without criticism. Some mental health advocates and researchers argue that this language pathologizes natural variations in emotional and cognitive experiences (Horwitz & Wakefield, 2007). They assert that many psychiatric conditions exist along a spectrum of human functioning and that labeling them as "disorders" risks reinforcing stigma (Corrigan & Watson, 2002).
Efforts are ongoing to shift terminology and reduce the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. For instance, some professionals prefer terms such as "mental health conditions" or "challenges" to emphasize resilience and the possibility of recovery. Others argue for a more individualized, person-centered approach to understanding mental health, focusing on lived experiences rather than rigid diagnostic categories (Johnstone & Boyle, 2018).
Regardless of the terminology, diagnosing these "disorders" is essential for guiding effective treatment. Psychiatric diagnoses provide a framework for understanding patients' symptoms and help psychiatrists develop personalized care plans aimed at improving quality of life and promoting recovery.
References
Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16–20.
Horwitz, A. V., & Wakefield, J. C. (2007). The Loss of Sadness: How Psychiatry Transformed Normal Sorrow into Depressive Disorder. Oxford University Press.
Johnstone, L., & Boyle, M. (2018). The Power Threat Meaning Framework: An Alternative to Psychiatric Diagnosis. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 58(1), 72-96.
