Developmental Disorders and Mental Health Disorders

3. Chronic diseases

The basic characteristics of individuals with chronic diseases are:

1. The presence of a disease that is permanent, varies in severity, and requires long-term treatment.
2. Variability in health status throughout the year.
3. A disease affecting one system can negatively impact the functions of other systems.

Examples of chronic diseases include:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Malignant diseases
• Metabolic system diseases (diabetes mellitus)
• Respiratory system diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma)
• Endocrinological system diseases (thyroid disease)
• Neurological diseases (epilepsy)
• Digestive system diseases (Crohn's disease)
• Rare diseases