functional disorder
Symptoms without pathology
A functional disorder is a medical condition where symptoms exist without detectable structural or biochemical abnormality.
The body's systems malfunction, but tests reveal nothing wrong.
The term emerged as medicine distinguished organic diseases (with visible pathology) from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or chronic fatigue.
Some patients find the label dismissive, implying their symptoms aren't real.
Mental-physical relationship
- somatizationMental distress expressed physically
- psychogenicCaused by the mind
- conversionAct of changing states
- noceboHarm from negative expectation
placebo · emotional distress · cognitive-behavioral therapy · psychotherapy · psychoeducation · biopsychosocial · stress response · health anxiety
Functional gastrointestinal disorder
- fibromyalgiaChronic widespread musculoskeletal pain condition
- chronic fatigue syndromeDebilitating persistent exhaustion illness
- chronic pain syndromeEnduring somatic distress condition
- tension headachesPain from muscle tightness
Persistent apprehensive distress
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- cortisolAdrenal steroid regulating stress
- fight-or-flightAcute threat reaction
hypervigilance · nervous system · tension · overwhelm · chronic stress · adrenal fatigue · panic · stress-induced
Not yet medically named
- misunderstoodIncorrectly comprehended
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- chronicPersisting over time
- debilitatingCausing severe impairment
invisible illness · validation · disbelief · dismissal · suffering · isolation · awareness · advocacy
Abnormal or unhealthy operation
- impairmentDiminished function or capacity
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- dysregulationImpaired regulatory function
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
derangement · disorganization · abnormality · anomaly · irregularity · fault · defect · system failure
mind-body
Mental-physical relationship
- somatizationMental distress expressed physically
- psychogenicCaused by the mind
- conversionAct of changing states
nocebo · placebo · emotional distress · cognitive-behavioral therapy · psychotherapy · psychoeducation · biopsychosocial · stress response · health anxiety
irritable bowel syndrome
Functional gastrointestinal disorder
- fibromyalgiaChronic widespread musculoskeletal pain condition
- chronic fatigue syndromeDebilitating persistent exhaustion illness
- chronic pain syndromeEnduring somatic distress condition
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- cortisolAdrenal steroid regulating stress
fight-or-flight · hypervigilance · nervous system · tension · overwhelm · chronic stress · adrenal fatigue · panic · stress-induced · flare-ups
undiagnosed
Not yet medically named
- misunderstoodIncorrectly comprehended
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- chronicPersisting over time
debilitating · invisible illness · validation · disbelief · dismissal · suffering · isolation · awareness · advocacy · support
dysfunction
Abnormal or unhealthy operation
- impairmentDiminished function or capacity
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- dysregulationImpaired regulatory function
breakdown · derangement · disorganization · abnormality · anomaly · irregularity · fault · defect · system failure
functional disorderhealthy
In good physical condition
able-bodied · neurotypical · wellness · good health · mental health
function, functional, functionally, functionality, functions, functioning, functioned, dysfunctional, malfunction