Chronic illness

Chronic illness refers to any long-term illness, regardless of the severity. Chronic illnesses are very common, affecting 6 in 10 Americans.

Chronic illnesses may have gradual onset, and can be either progressive, or have a more stable course.

Chronic compared to acute illness
Unlike chronic illnesses, acute illnesses are characterized by their sudden onset and short duration.

Treatments and searching for a cure
Chronic illnesses, by definition, do not have a quick treatment or cure. "The seductive message of having control over their illness can doom the chronically ill to a constant quest for a cure with the right diet and exercise, the right answers. Hopelessness and more guilt is often the sad conclusion to such a search."

"―Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Living with Invisible Chronic Illness, Donoghue and Siegel (2000)"



Invisible illnesses
Most chronic illness are invisible illnesses.

Notable studies

 * 2020, Energy Impairment and Disability Inclusion: Towards an Advocacy Movement for Energy Limiting Chronic Illness. (Full text)

Learn more

 * Chronic disease - CDC