Philological Obfuscation: Observations on Medical Categorization and Labeling

The article discusses the author's observations on the tendency in medicine to categorize and label various conditions, which can sometimes lead to confusion or anxiety among patients. The author, a family physician, reflects on several conditions that he has encountered in his practice that have only recently been given official names, such as Androgenic Alopecia (hair loss in women), miliara rubra (a rash in newborns), Exercise Bulimia and Body Dysmorphic Syndrome (eating disorders related to body image), benign paroxysmal vertigo (dizziness), cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness), and Heloma Molle (soft corns between toes). He notes that these new diagnostic labels, while sometimes helpful, can also be overwhelming or intimidating to patients. The article does not provide specific study data or participant numbers, as it is more of a personal reflection on the author's experiences in clinical practice.