Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A disorder refers to a condition or pattern of behavior that deviates from the normal functioning and causes significant distress or impairment in daily life.
A symptom refers to an observable indication or characteristic of a disorder. For example, feeling sad or experiencing panic attacks are symptoms of certain disorders.
Treatment involves interventions such as therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes aimed at reducing symptoms, managing the disorder, and improving overall well-being.