What is the difference between diseases and syndromes

From the Editor. Diagnosis 2. Current Psychiatry. By Henry A. Nasrallah, MD. Author and Disclosure Information. PDF Download. Disorder: Irregularity, disturbance, or interruption of normal functions. Syndrome: A number of symptoms occurring together and characterizing a specific disease. Symptom overlap The signs and symptoms of psychiatric ailments overlap considerably. Nonspecific medications Psychotropics approved for treating 1 condition are frequently useful for others: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors initially were indicated for depression but soon were found to have efficacy for panic attacks, social phobia, OCD, bulimia, impulse dyscontrol, and fibromyalgia.

And, for some of us — especially ESL writers looking for tips — describing what a disease is and how it differs from a disorder, syndrome or condition can be quite difficult. One of the original definitions of a disease was published in the British Medical Journal as early as Today, doctors treat and diagnose a disease based on abnormalities in systemic functions — for example, cardiovascular disease.

These abnormalities can cause both physical and emotional signs and symptoms, as well as pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems or death. For example, a disorder resulting from cardiovascular disease is an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. Opt out at any time. View our Terms and Privacy Policy. A syndrome is a term that refers to a disease or a disorder that has more than one identifying feature or symptom. Down syndrome is a well-known genetic syndrome.

It is characterised by having an extra copy of chromosome 21 in combination with a number of distinctive physical features at birth. Medical syndromes can be caused by genetic mutations or other factors. There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include Anxiety disorders , including panic disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder , and phobias Depression , bipolar disorder , and other mood disorders Eating disorders Personality disorders Post-traumatic stress disorder Psychotic disorders , including schizophrenia What causes mental disorders?

A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as Your genes and family history Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, especially if they happen in childhood Biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain A traumatic brain injury A mother's exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals while pregnant Use of alcohol or recreational drugs Having a serious medical condition like cancer Having few friends, and feeling lonely or isolated Mental disorders are not caused by character flaws.

Who is at risk for mental disorders? How are mental disorders diagnosed? The steps to getting a diagnosis include A medical history A physical exam and possibly lab tests, if your provider thinks that other medical conditions could be causing your symptoms A psychological evaluation.

You will answer questions about your thinking, feelings, and behaviors. What are the treatments for mental disorders? Start Here. Diagnosis and Tests. Treatments and Therapies.

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