Pathologization refers to the process of defining or treating a behavior, condition, or characteristic as a disease or a disorder, even if it is not inherently harmful or necessarily requires medical intervention. It often involves framing normal variations in human experience or social constructs as deviations from a presumed 'norm', subsequently labeling them as pathological. This can lead to stigmatization, the imposition of medical diagnoses, and potentially unnecessary treatments. The process can be driven by various factors including social pressures, cultural biases, financial incentives, and advancements in diagnostic criteria.
Pathologization meaning with examples
- Historically, homosexuality was pathologized, listed as a mental disorder in diagnostic manuals. This led to widespread discrimination and attempts at 'cures'. The shift to de-pathologization reflected a growing understanding and acceptance of sexual diversity.
- Shyness, in certain contexts, can be pathologized, leading to social anxiety diagnoses, though for many it’s a personality trait. Over-diagnosis of such conditions can result in the inappropriate use of medications, potentially masking genuine needs.
- The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been argued as pathologization of women's natural reproductive cycle, which may then lead to an over medicalization of the normal, leading to excessive hormone therapy, when it is not needed.
- Grief, a natural response to loss, might be pathologized if it exceeds certain duration, pushing individuals into therapy, even if time and social support would normally suffice. This blurs the lines between sadness and clinical depression.
- Certain cultural practices, such as alternative forms of self-expression, could be pathologized when interpreted through a narrow lens, and then seen as indicative of mental illness, even though these are healthy and unique experiences.