Having a disease or a disability? The meaning of traditional taxonomies and their application to complex syndromes

Definition of the problem This essay examines the relationship between the concept of disease and disability, thereby using the example of attention disorders. It takes as a point of departure Kleinman's differentiation of disease, illness, and sickness and the distinction of disease and disability by the World Health Organization. The author suggests considering whether and how Kleinman's differentiation of disease could be adapted to the concept of disability and in which way a modification could be useful for the understanding of concrete syndromes. Arguments Even though the WHO distinguishes disability and disease by means of classification since 1980, it is still not clearly determined either what chronic illnesses and psychological or cognitive syndromes are or whether they could be classified as disease by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) or as disability by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Contrary to the ICD, the ICF allows for syndromes to be categorized in more detail. Conclusion Attention disorders and several cognitive abilities can be evaluated interdisciplinary, if not only their physical and psychological components but also their individual and societal components are considered. The professional and the personal perspective of the syndromes should be correlated. A clear conceptualized distinction between disease and disability is not possible.