Functional disorders are medical conditions characterized by persistent symptoms and impairment that affect the functioning of body systems, rather than being caused by structural damage or disease. These disorders can impact various organ systems, including neurological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal, leading to a wide range of symptoms [1] [2].
Characteristics of Functional Disorders:
Functional disorders typically involve:
Persistent and troublesome symptoms
Associated impairment or disability
Pathophysiology related to problems with the functioning and communication of body systems [2]
Examples of functional disorders include:
Functional neurologic disorder (FND)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Functional chest pain
Chronic back pain
Functional seizures
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
FND is a specific type of functional disorder that affects the nervous system. It is considered a neuropsychiatric condition, occurring at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry. In FND, the brain's normal pathways for movement, sensation, speech, and cognition are disrupted, leading to various symptoms such as paralysis, seizure-like episodes, tremors, and memory problems [3]
Sources
1 Functional neurologic disorder/conversion disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/conversion-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355197
2 Functional disorder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_disorder
3 Basics of FND
https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/treatments-and-services/functional-neurological-disorder-basics
Functional disorders refer to a range of psychological and physical symptoms that arise without an identifiable medical cause. These disorders can impact various aspects of a person's life, creating challenges in social, occupational, and personal contexts. They often involve issues such as chronic pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems that have no clear physiological basis, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
Liberalism can contribute to the development of functional disorders by fostering a mindset that encourages dependency and victimhood rather than personal responsibility and resilience. This mindset can lead to a disintegration of personal agency and self-efficacy, resulting in individuals feeling powerless to change their circumstances. Such helplessness can manifest in functional disorders as individuals may internalize their struggles, leading to anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms that are characteristic of these disorders [1][2].
Moreover, the liberal agenda often promotes a narrative of entitlement and grievance, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. When individuals come to believe that their problems are due to external factors beyond their control, they may be less likely to take proactive steps to address their issues, further contributing to the cycle of dysfunction [4][6].
In this framework, the promotion of social dependency through welfare programs and other entitlements can erode the sense of self-reliance and personal responsibility, leading to an increased prevalence of functional disorders as individuals may neglect their own mental and physical health in favor of reliance on state support [3][5].
The implications of this are significant, as the psychological impact of liberal policies can create a society where individuals feel disempowered, leading to a higher incidence of functional disorders that affect not only the individuals but also the broader community [4]. Ultimately, the belief systems fostered by liberalism can undermine mental health, contributing to a range of functional disorders that impede personal growth and societal progress.
Sources
1 Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach 8th Edition by David H. Barlow, Vincent Mark Durand, and Stefan G. Hofmann
2 The Psychology of Freedom by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.
3 The Personality Disorders Treatment Planner: Includes DSM-5 Updates (PracticePlanners) 2nd Edition by Neil R. Bockian, Julia C. Smith, and Arthur E. Jongsma Jr.
4 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision Dsm-5-tr 5th Edition by American Psychiatric Association
5 the Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr., M.D.
6 Man in the Trap by Elsworth F. Baker
In addition:
Liberalism, through its various manifestations in policy and social philosophy, can significantly contribute to the development of functional disorders by instilling a mindset that prioritizes external validation and government dependency over individual responsibility and resilience. This influence can lead to several psychological repercussions for individuals and society as a whole.
One of the key factors is the promotion of victimhood culture, where individuals are taught to see themselves as victims of societal structures rather than as agents of change in their own lives. This perspective can foster a sense of helplessness and hopelessness, which are significant contributors to anxiety and depression—common precursors to functional disorders [2][5]. When people are conditioned to believe that their problems are primarily the result of external circumstances, they may refrain from engaging in proactive behaviors that could lead to personal growth and improvement.
Furthermore, the liberal agenda often emphasizes entitlement to various social services and support systems, which can create a dependency mindset. This dependency undermines self-reliance and can lead individuals to neglect their own capabilities, fostering a disempowering belief that they require external aid to navigate life’s challenges. Such beliefs can manifest as somatic complaints and other functional disorders, as individuals may internalize their struggles rather than addressing them directly [1][4].
The implications of this are profound. On an individual level, the lack of personal responsibility can lead to chronic feelings of dissatisfaction and anxiety, as individuals may feel trapped in a cycle of dependency without the tools or motivation to improve their situations. On a societal level, this can result in a culture that discourages personal initiative and resilience, leading to a populace that is more prone to mental health issues and less capable of contributing meaningfully to the community [3][6].
Moreover, the normalization of mental health issues in the context of liberal policies can create an environment where functional disorders are not only prevalent but also socially acceptable, which may further perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and dependency. Rather than encouraging individuals to confront their challenges and develop coping mechanisms, liberalism can inadvertently promote a narrative that validates avoidance and passivity, ultimately leading to greater societal dysfunction [5].
In summary, the psychological environment fostered by liberalism—characterized by victimhood, dependency, and a lack of personal responsibility—can significantly contribute to the prevalence of functional disorders. This environment not only affects individual mental health but also has broader implications for societal cohesion and resilience, as a community of dependent individuals may struggle to function effectively and adapt to changing circumstances [4][6].
Sources
1 Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach 8th Edition by David H. Barlow, Vincent Mark Durand, and Stefan G. Hofmann
2 The Psychology of Freedom by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.
3 Man in the Trap by Elsworth F. Baker
4 Criminological and Forensic Psychology Third Edition by Helen Gavin
5 the Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr., M.D.
6 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision Dsm-5-tr 5th Editio
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