- Physical: pain and alienation
- Psychological: loneliness, loss, anxiety, self-esteem
- Social changes: reduction of personal relationships and productivity in society

Short Term Impacts of Chronic Illness

These consequences impose a greater threat than the short term impacts, possibly effecting the ability to love and work. Therefore being able to function properly as an active participant in society. This heightens the need for intervention.

Longterm Impacts of Chronic Illness

The effect on the Family or Caregiver is closely linked with the patients ability to adjust following the diagnosis. Communication strategies also have to be formed. Feelings of anger, disbelief, and shock are linked with poor adjustment.

Impacts of Chronic Illness on Families or Caregivers

There is a need for education and training for psychologists to be able to provide adequate intervention. Also implementing new strategies like creating a list of symptoms relating to chronic illness for psychologists to refer to.

Impact of Chronic Illness on Psychological practice 

Chronic illness affects both partners (the ill spouse and the well spouse) in a relationship in a variety of ways, and sometimes interactively.

Chronic illness and marriage

Due to the changes and stress associated with Chronic Illness, the patient is biologically and psychologically effected. This will also effect their environment and the people around them. 

Syracuse University

 A large percentage of people have Chronic Illness; the chronic illnesses have significant psychosocial ramifications for both the affected person and their family members. This in return creates new challenges for the field of psychology.


The Impacts of Chronic Illness

Dobbie, M., & Mellor, D. (2008). Chronic illness and its impact: Considerations for psychologists. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 13(5), 583–590.

There is a large percentage of the population experiences Chronic Illness. Due to a lack of relevant research and lack of diagnosis, the true amount remains unknown.

Prevalence of  Chronic Illness

• Work or School Absence
• Healthcare Utilization
• Temporary Disability

Different Impacts of Chronic Illness

- poor doctor and patient communication
- the patients personal beliefs 
- the patients personality traits
- the way the patients family interacts

Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Greater Chronic Illness impact

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic illness that impairs motor movement. Most research has focused on the physical aspects of the disease, but there have been observed psychological trends as well.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) Patient's Mental Health

Women who have breast cancer can feel an increase in psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, sexuality concerns, and self-blame.

The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer

When a physician discloses or communicates to their patient a new medical diagnosis. Regarding diagnosis disclosure in dementia (specifically Alzheimer's disease), a number of physicians have been hesitant to tell patients they have this disease in fear of their patients experiencing high emotional distress and feelings of suicidality.

Diagnosis Disclosure in Dementia

- Meaning-making coping model
- Emotion-focused coping
- Problem-focused coping 
- Transactional model of stress and coping 
- Dual process model of loss 


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