functional disorders

USAGE SUMMARY

"functional disorders" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to disorders or conditions that affect the functioning of the body or a specific organ, but do not have a known organic or physical cause. Example: "The patient was diagnosed with functional disorders of the digestive system, causing chronic stomach pain and bloating."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the most widely known of these functional disorders, but there are many others.

The New York Times

There are several functional disorders identified involving the loss of coordination in the systems controlling swallowing.

The New York Times

Links between others of these functional disorders and infection are still being investigated.

The New York Times

So Dr. Grothe considered functional disorders of the muscles that would cause bloating and constipation.

The New York Times

Migraine appears to occur in those with a hereditarily sensitized nervous system, and could be grouped with other non-organic functional disorders such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, in what might be called "threshold disorders".

The New Yorker

Initially these functional disorders were named based on the presence of a symptom that persisted over 3 to 12 months.

The New York Times

Encephalopathies are functional disorders of the central nervous system [30].

Environmental Sciences Europe

It was lower in abdominal pain because symptoms were often functional disorders.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Smoking in pregnancy is associated with the risk of congenital malformations and functional disorders.

Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

Vocal nodules are among the most common laryngopathies that cause vocal functional disorders.

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

The FR-2 has been developed to eliminate functional disorders that can interfere with normal skeletal and dental development [6].

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "functional disorders", be specific about the system or area of the body affected to provide clarity, for example, "functional gastrointestinal disorders".

Common error

Do not use "functional disorders" as a blanket term for unexplained symptoms without proper medical evaluation. It is important to rule out organic causes first.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functional disorders" serves as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a category of medical conditions characterized by impaired function without detectable structural abnormalities. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is used in scientific literature, news articles, and medical discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "functional disorders" is a commonly used phrase that refers to medical conditions characterized by impaired function in the absence of detectable structural abnormalities. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. It appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, indicating a formal and technical tone. When using this phrase, specificity is key, and overgeneralization should be avoided. Related terms like "functional impairments" or "functional disturbances" may be used depending on the desired nuance. The high frequency and authoritative sources underscore the phrase's validity and importance in medical and scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional impairments

Focuses on the resulting limitations due to the disorder, rather than the disorder itself.

functional disturbances

Emphasizes the disruption of normal function, highlighting the irregularity caused.

functional abnormalities

Highlights deviations from the standard or expected functioning.

functional problems

A more general term that encompasses a wider range of functional issues.

functional illnesses

Specifically refers to conditions recognized as medical illnesses affecting function.

functional dysfunctions

Directly indicates improper or inadequate functioning.

functional deficiencies

Highlights a lack or inadequacy in functional performance.

functioning disorders

Similar meaning, but with a slight shift in emphasis to the process of functioning.

functions disorders

Focuses on the disorder of the functions themselves.

functional troubles

A more informal way to describe functional problems or difficulties.

FAQs

How are "functional disorders" diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. Doctors often rely on a patient's medical history, physical examination, and sometimes specific tests to assess the functioning of affected body parts or systems, as mentioned in Ludwig's examples.

What are some common examples of "functional disorders"?

Examples include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions are characterized by persistent symptoms without detectable structural abnormalities. These conditions are characterized by persistent symptoms without detectable structural abnormalities.

What is the difference between "functional disorders" and structural disorders?

"Functional disorders" involve impaired function without any detectable structural damage or abnormalities in the affected organ or system. Structural disorders, on the other hand, involve physical changes that can be seen through imaging or other diagnostic tests.

What can I say instead of "functional disorders"?

You can use alternatives like "functional impairments", "functional disturbances", or "functional problems" depending on the context.