P5 – Explain the role of psychology in understanding one chronic or terminal illness
In this assignment I will be explaining the role of psychology in understanding chronic and
terminal illnesses. Chronic illnesses are disease that last for around at least a year or longer
and require ongoing medical attention and may limit activities of daily living. A chronic
illness can improve over time, allowing a person to resume their normal lifestyle. However,
just because a chronic illness lasts a long time or for the duration of a person's life does not
mean it’s fatal. Individuals may have strategies for maintaining and managing their
conditions, as well as reducing symptoms. This could be accomplished through the use of
medication, therapy, or other methods. Chronically ill people can lead normal lives. An
example of some chronic illnesses could be heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, Crohn’s
disease, Cystic fibrosis etc.
A terminal illness is a disease or condition that is incurable and will most certainly result in
death. It's sometimes referred to as a terminal illness. There are medications and
treatments that can help extend a person's life, but this is not a long-term solution. A
terminal illness can cause people to live for days, weeks, months, or even years. Doctors find
it difficult to determine how long someone will live. This is dependent on their diagnosis as
well as any therapies they are undergoing. As the illness continues, a person's condition may
deteriorate progressively. Others may notice that they have times when they feel better and
times when they feel worse as their condition progresses. Terminal illnesses could include,
lung disease, advanced cancer, dementia, neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, advanced
heart disease etc.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a
variety of symptoms such as vision, arm or leg movement, feeling, and balance. It's a chronic
illness that can sometimes lead to major disability, however it can also be moderate. It is
possible to treat symptoms in many circumstances. People with MS have a somewhat
shorter life expectancy. It's most common in adults in their 20s and 30s, although it can
strike anyone at any age. It affects around 2 to 3 times as many women as it does men. One
of the most commonly diagnosed in young adults is MS. MS symptoms vary greatly from
one individual to the next and can affect any portion of the body. The following are the most
common signs and symptoms: fatigue, difficulty walking, vision problems, such as blurred
vision, problems controlling the bladder, numbness or tingling in different parts of the body,
muscle stiffness and spasms, problems with balance and co-ordination and problems with
thinking, learning and planning. Symptoms may come and go in phases or get steadily worse
over time, depending on the type of MS you have.
MS is a chronic illness because there is currently no cure, it is a life-long condition. In most
circumstances, MS is not fatal, and most people with MS have a life expectancy that is near
to normal. However, because the disease varies so greatly from person to person, clinicians
may find it difficult to anticipate whether a patient's condition will deteriorate or improve. If
you're diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), you may need to adjust your daily routine,
but with the correct care and support, many people may live long, active, and healthy lives,
which is why it’s classed as a chronic illness.