Asked by: Uxue Zarauza
medical health mental health

What's the difference between a disorder and a syndrome?

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A disease is a pathophysiological response to internalor external factors. A disorder is a disruption to regularbodily structure and function. A syndrome is a collection ofsigns and symptoms associated with a specific health-relatedcause.


In this manner, is a disorder and a disease the same thing?

Condition simply indicates a state of health, whetherwell or ill; a condition conferring illness might be furtherclassified as a disease or adisorder—however, condition might be used in place ofdisease or disorder when a value-neutral term isdesired.

Beside above, what defines a disorder? A mental disorder, also called a mental illnessor psychiatric disorder, is a behavioral or mental patternthat causes significant distress or impairment of personalfunctioning. Mental disorders are usually defined bya combination of how a person behaves, feels, perceives, orthinks.

In this manner, what is the difference between a symptom and a syndrome?

A sign is the effect of a health problem that can beobserved by someone else. A symptom is an effect noticed andexperienced only by the person who has the condition. The keydifference between signs and symptoms is who observesthe effect.

Can a syndrome be cured?

It has no cure or prevention measures. Downsyndrome is not a disease, disorder, defect ormedical condition and therefore does not require treatment,prevention or a cure. It is inappropriate and offensive torefer to people with Down syndrome as “afflictedwith” or “suffering from” it.

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