Disorder or Disease?

I was questioned today about calling Fibromyalgia a 'Disease' - rather than term more commonly used - 'Disorder'. While Fibromyalgia is often referred to as a disorder, I believe it more rightly belongs under the definition of disease. The overwhelmingly universal symptom or feature of fibromyalgia is pain - or 'dis - ease' .

The word 'Disorder' is a newer term, often used for illnesses where the origin, duration, or physiological basis of an illness is unknown. It is also most often used in connection with illnesses of a psychological or mental nature. So for me, the use of the word Disorder is another way to minimize the true nature and impact of fibromyalgia. It keeps this invisible illness in the realm of 'all in the patients head".

The word Disease is used in connection with ill health, an abnormal condition that causes discomfort or dysfunction. Ill health, discomfort, dysfunction, abnormal - all words that I associate with fibromyalgia. And though we do not know the origins of fibromyalgia, we certainly do know a great deal more about the physiological mechanism then we used to.

We need to raise awareness about fibromyalgia so that a cure can be sought and found. A cure is more likely to be looked for when we look at it as a 'disease' than if we think of it as a disorder. Do you agree?