PRESENTED BY- MR.

RONY XAVIER
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ILLNESS

Abnormal process in which the persons level of

functioning is changed when compared to the previous
level.

Illness is of two types:-

-Acute
-Chronic
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Acute illness is generally has a rapid onset of

symptoms and last only a relatively short time. some
acute illness are life threatening, many don’t require
medical attention.

Eg.pain,fever
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Chronic illness is a permanent change -it causes, or is

caused by irreversible alteration in normal anatomy
and physiology. It require special patient education for
rehabilitation. It require a long period of care and
support.

Eg. Heart problem, diabetes etc

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ILLNESS BEHAVIOUR

People who are ill generally adopt illness

behaviour. These behaviour affect how people
monitor their bodies, define and interpret their
symptoms, take remedial actions and use the health
care systems.
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• The experience of illness of complex. The person generally

passes through five stages of illness behaviour.

• This pattern involves how a person seeks, finds & completes

the health care.
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• In the first stage, person feels that something is wrong but he

is not able to diagnose the problem.

• Perception of symptoms includes awareness of physical

change like pain, rashes, lump. At the end of this stage , he is
able to make the decision that it is a symptom of an illness.
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• If the symptoms persist, then the client will assume sick role
& seek confirmation from family & others that they are indeed
sick. Then he gets excuse from normal duties & role
expectations.

• Assumption of sick role results in emotional changes such as

withdrawal, depression, physical changes. The person may
deny & delay the contact with health care system.
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• At this stage, the client acknowledges the illness & seeks

explanation of causes, duration of illness & it’s complications.
Health professional may determine whether the client is ill or
not.

• After knowing about illness some client seek medical

treatment , but sometimes, they start denying the symptoms.
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• After accepting the diagnosis, client becomes dependent

upon health care professionals to get treatment.

• Here, the client accepts the care, sympathy, protection from

the demands & stress of life.
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• This is the stage when the symptoms of illness get subsiding.

The person starts regaining original health status.

• In case of chronic illness, final stage involves an adjustment

to a prolonged reduction in health & functioning.
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• An emotion is a bodily state which involves feelings that

may be consciously or unconsciously motivated.

Emotional responses to illness are:-

1. Fear.
2. Over dependence & feeling of helplessness.
3. Anxiety.
4. Hope.
5. Anger & hostility.