noun
definition
A failure to function in an expected or complete manner. Usually refers to a disorder in a bodily organ (e.g. erectile dysfunction), a mental disorder, or the improper behavior of a social group.
verb
definition
To fail to function correctly; to malfunction.
Examples of dysfunction in a Sentence
These drugs should be used with caution in people with liver dysfunction.
The drug overwhelms the liver causing dysfunction.
It seems reasonable considering the symptoms of autism that dysfunction in these neurons are causes, but newer research has found that while there is a delay, mirror neurons function normally in individuals with autism.
The data indicate that there is a tendency toward primary thyroid dysfunction in Down 's syndrome.
The mechanisms behind certain sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction may differ from person to person and there are herbal supplements that can address some of these issues.
Of this clan, this family, where dysfunction is magnified.
Even when treated, rape and sexual assault can cause poor self-esteem, sexual dysfunction and impaired sexual and personal relations, insomnia, anxiety, eating disorders, and other psychological symptoms that last into adulthood.
Sleep deprivation can cause cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment.
St John's Wort also has a multitude of side effects such as anxiety, sunlight sensitivity, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, and sexual dysfunction.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder involves dysfunction in the central nervous system.
Sexual dysfunction (decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and decreased semen volume) are observed in about 3.8% of cases.
Recent evidence suggests that defects in DNA maintenance pathways and telomere dysfunction promote genomic instability and drives development of the disease.
The Internet is full of companies marketing their "guaranteed or your money back" and "all natural" products for erectile dysfunction and related problems.
Since erectile dysfunction and problems with ejaculations can be caused by any number of medical conditions, you should consult with a doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Try to remember that the realm of sexual dysfunction is not unlike that of the hair loss industry, which is a multi-billion dollar industry filled with scam products.
Just as an herb may address a cause of erectile dysfunction, there exists a root cause of that cause should be examined.
They have increased cognitive function and have less chance of sexual dysfunction.
Exposure to pesticides has been linked to cancer, nervous-system and lung damage, reproductive dysfunction, and possibly dysfunction of the endocrine and immune systems.
It is a dysfunction in the brain's chemistry and in some way causes REM disturbances.
Klemons is the director of the center who has an extensive background in conditions related to sleep apnea including pain management and TM joint dysfunction.
The characteristic symptoms of NF-2 are due to tumors along the acoustic nerve that result in nerve dysfunction and the loss of hearing.
Jaundice may indicate liver dysfunction, although it can also be a normal result of red cell turnover in the newborn.
The infection is carried to the infant through the mother's placenta and can cause impairment of the infant's eyes (opthalmic impairment) and central nervous system (neurological dysfunction).
Disorders in which skeletal muscle is the primary target of the mitochondrial dysfunction are called mitochondrial myopathies.
Deterioration is often rapid with symptoms such as seizures, dementia, feeding and speech difficulties, respiratory dysfunction, heart problems, and muscle weakness.
With symptoms usually first appearing in childhood, the characteristics of this rare syndrome include pancreatic dysfunction and anemia (low red blood cells).
Family therapy is often recommended when the patient's eating disorder is closely tied to family dysfunction.
It is not known whether these symptoms stem from more general dysfunction of impulse control that might be part of Tourette syndrome.
All of these growth factors may be evaluated in order to understand hormone deficiencies or gland dysfunction when growth deficiencies are suspected.
In a child with excessive hGH levels, failure of suppression indicates anterior pituitary dysfunction and confirms a diagnosis of gigantism (or acromegaly).
Amenorrhea is a fairly dramatic symptom of menstrual dysfunction that often causes parents to consult a doctor about a girl's health.
When the mental deficiency is less severe, the child may be diagnosed with minimal brain dysfunction or as neurologically handicapped.
The degree of dysfunction is a key factor in parents' deciding whether the child can continue to live at home and what type of schooling is appropriate.
Parents and teachers need to be cognizant of the nature of the child's dysfunction.
A decreased level may be found in liver dysfunction, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), malabsorption, malnutrition, or advanced cancer, among other conditions.
See also Croup; Foreign objects; Vocal cord dysfunction.
Blood tests or a scalp biopsy may be required if a medical condition-such as lupus erythematosus, thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, or hormonal imbalance-is suspected.
Other common problems include heart valve dysfunction, thickening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), enlarged spleen and liver, clouding of the cornea, hearing loss, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Circumcised girls have a high incidence of infertility and sexual dysfunction as adults.
Among boys who are circumcised, most have no penile, urologic, or sexual dysfunction as adults.
A majority of girls who are circumcised experience urologic, reproductive, and sexual dysfunction as adults.
Foster children also have more neglect, abuse, family dysfunction, poverty, and emotional problems.
What the underlying causes of DIC have in common is a dysfunction that involves proteins, platelets, or other clotting factors and processes.
When this occurs, the increased amounts of fetal hemoglobin raise questions of possible underlying dysfunction or disease.
T-cell dysfunction is the variable in this disorder.
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a disorder that occurs when the vocal cords move toward each other when a person breathes, narrowing the airway and causing wheezing and difficulty breathing.
In an individual with vocal cord dysfunction, instead of being drawn apart, the vocal cords move together, narrowing and partially blocking the airway.
Type II malformation occurs almost exclusively with spina bifida, which causes symptoms that may include paralysis of the lower extremities (and less often, the upper limbs), and bowel and bladder dysfunction.
Oral motor dysfunction of the speech-producing musculature (in which children have dysarthria, or mechanical difficulties in speaking) is present in children with cerebral palsy and other conditions.
The dysfunction leads to uncoordinated oral musculature.