Chronic means
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "chronic means"
Consensus Meter
Understanding the Term "Chronic"
Definition and Variability of "Chronic Disease"
The term "chronic" is widely used in medical and public health contexts, but its definition can vary significantly. Generally, a chronic disease is one that persists for a long time, often defined as lasting a year or more and requiring ongoing medical attention or limiting daily activities. However, the specific diseases classified as chronic can differ between organizations. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis under chronic diseases, while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have a more extensive list that includes Alzheimer's disease, depression, and HIV.
Chronic Illness as a Disruptive Event
Chronic illness is not just a medical condition but also a significant life event that disrupts an individual's life. This disruption can affect cognitive and material resources, modes of explanation for pain and suffering, and the continuity between professional and lay perspectives. The experience of chronic illness varies widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as social support, access to healthcare, and personal coping mechanisms.
The Need for a New Terminology
There is ongoing debate about whether the term "chronic" is still appropriate. Some argue that it fails to capture the complexity and variability of long-term conditions. For example, chronic pain is often used as an umbrella term for various conditions like fibromyalgia and migraine, but this can be misleading as it does not account for the multifaceted nature of these conditions. The term "chronic" might also obscure the dynamic nature of these illnesses, which can change over time and with treatment.
Chronic Pain: A Complex Condition
Chronic pain is a particularly complex aspect of chronic illness. It is not merely a symptom but a condition in its own right, influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. Chronic pain can result from a disease or injury but often persists long after the initial cause has been treated. This complexity necessitates a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering the interplay of various factors .
Chronicity in Mental Health
The term "chronic" is also used in mental health, often with negative connotations. For example, labeling someone as a "chronic schizophrenic" can imply an expectation of deterioration and hopelessness, which can affect clinical judgments and treatment plans. This highlights the need for more precise and less stigmatizing language in describing long-term mental health conditions.
Conclusion
The term "chronic" encompasses a wide range of conditions and experiences, from physical diseases to mental health issues. While it serves as a useful shorthand for long-term conditions, its variability and potential for misunderstanding suggest that more precise terminology may be needed. Understanding the complexity and individual variability of chronic conditions is crucial for effective communication, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic