Define what is meant by medicalization and give three examples of conditions that have become medicalized.

Question

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The Answer is Medicalization refers to the process of defining and treating a non-medical condition or behavior as a medical problem. This can involve the medical profession taking control of an issue that was previously considered a social or personal problem, and providing medical interventions or treatments for it.

Three examples of conditions that have become medicalized include:
1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): In the past, children who were hyperactive or had trouble focusing in school may have been seen as simply energetic or in need of discipline. However, ADHD has become medicalized, with pharmaceutical treatments such as Ritalin and Adderall being commonly prescribed to manage symptoms.

2. Social anxiety: While feeling nervous or uncomfortable in social situations has always been a part of the human experience, social anxiety has become medicalized as a mental health disorder. This has led to the development of medications and therapy specifically targeted at treating social anxiety.

3. Menopause: Menopause, the natural process of a woman's body ceasing to menstruate and experiencing hormonal changes, has been medicalized with the development of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.

These examples illustrate how medicalization can shape our understanding and treatment of various conditions, and the potential impact it can have on individuals and society.

Define What Is Meant by Medicalization and Give Three Examples