Is A Disorder A Disease?

Disorder disease are two terms that are often used interchangeably but they are not the same. A disorder refers to a disruption in normal body function or structure while a disease refers to an abnormal state of the body caused by pathogens genetic mutations or environmental factors.

What Is A Disorder?

A disorder is a medical condition that affects normal bodily function structure or behavior. It can be caused by genetic factors environmental factors injury or malnutrition. Disorders can be temporary or permanent can range from being mild to severe.

Some examples of disorders include:

• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Sleep disorder

What Is A Disease?

A disease is a pathological condition caused by an external factor such as bacteria viruses or parasites or an internal factor such as genetics or dysfunction of the immune system. Diseases can be acute or chronic can affect one or multiple organs or systems in the body.

Some examples of diseases include:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Malaria
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease

Are Disorders Considered Diseases?

While disorders diseases are different many disorders are classified as diseases. For example mental disorders such as anxiety depression are considered diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Disorders that have a clear biological basis cause impairment in normal functioning of the body are also considered diseases. For instance Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system results in symptoms such as tremors rigidity difficulty in movement.

Conclusion

Disorders diseases are not the same but many disorders are classified as diseases. Diseases are caused by external or internal factors while disorders can be temporary or permanent affect normal bodily functions. It is important to understthe difference between the two as it helps in the diagnosis treatment of medical conditions.