Many thanks for this engaging and necessary discussion. This relates closely to the debate going on about the causation of 'functional' conditions, as one's understanding of causation to a very great extent begets nomenclature.
A colleague and I have attempted to lay out the challenges the 'functional neurological disorder' field currently faces regarding the understanding and nomenclature of these conditions (1).
We used the term 'Pseudo-Destigmatization' to describe changes in nomenclature and understanding that are made for ideological reasons, rather than being based on a valid reflection of the conditions themselves. In essence it is 'Pseudo-Destigmatization' that leads to the 'Euphemistic Treadmill' that you elegantly describe.
Literature:
1. Scamvougeras A, Castle D. Functional Neurological Disorders: Challenging the Mainstream Agnostic Causative Position. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 2024; 69(7): 487-492. doi:10.1177/07067437241245957
'Pseudo-Destigmatization' leads to the 'Euphemistic Treadmill'
Many thanks for this engaging and necessary discussion. This relates closely to the debate going on about the causation of 'functional' conditions, as one's understanding of causation to a very great extent begets nomenclature.
A colleague and I have attempted to lay out the challenges the 'functional neurological disorder' field currently faces regarding the understanding and nomenclature of these conditions (1).
We used the term 'Pseudo-Destigmatization' to describe changes in nomenclature and understanding that are made for ideological reasons, rather than being based on a valid reflection of the conditions themselves. In essence it is 'Pseudo-Destigmatization' that leads to the 'Euphemistic Treadmill' that you elegantly describe.
Literature:
1. Scamvougeras A, Castle D. Functional Neurological Disorders: Challenging the Mainstream Agnostic Causative Position. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 2024; 69(7): 487-492. doi:10.1177/07067437241245957