ILLNESS BEHAVIORS

Is any activity undertaken by a person who feels ill, to define the state of his health and discover a suitable remedy

FIVE STAGES OF ILLNESS

Symptom Experience Stage is the transition stage during which people come to believe something is wrong. Either a significant person mentions that they look unwell, or people experience some symptoms, which can appear insidiously. The symptom experience stage has three aspect: o o o The physical experience of symptoms The cognitive aspect Emotional response

During this stage, unwell persons usually consult others close to them about their symptoms or feelings. People validate with their spouses of support persons that the symptoms are real. At this stage, sick persons sometimes try home remedies, such as laxative and cough medicines. Assumption of the Sick Role the second stage signals acceptance of the illness. At this time, individuals decide that their symptoms or concerns are sufficiently severe to suggest that they are sick. Some people seek professional help quickly; others continue self treatment, often following the suggestions of family and friends. In this stage, sick people are usually afraid, but they now accept that they are ill even though they may not be able to accept the possible reasons. In conferring with people close to them, sick people seek not only advice but also support for the decision to give up some activities and, for example, stay home from work. At the end of this stage, sick people experience of tow outcomes. They may find that the symptoms have changed and that they feel better. If family members support the perceptions of such persons, they are no longer considered or consider themselves. Then the recovered persons resume normal obligations, such as returning to work or attending a school concert. If however, the symptoms persist or increase and if lack of improvement is validated by the family or significant others, then sick people know they should seek some treatment. The choice of treatment plan is often affected by the known available alternatives and previous experience.

Medical Care contact stage sick people seek the advice of a health professional either on their own initiative or at the urging of significant others. When people go for professional advice theyt are really asking for three types of information: o o o Validation of real illness Explanation of the symptoms in understandable terms Reassurance that they will be right or prediction of what the outcome will be

If the health professional does not validate illness, people have two recourses: To return to normal activities To seek other advice

If the symptoms disappear, people often perceive that they really are not ill. If symptoms continue, people usually return to the health professional or go to second person fro care. People who are repeatedly told that they are not ill may seek out quasi-practitioners as last resort to alleviate the perceived symptoms. Some people will go from health professional to health professional until they find someone provides a diagnosis that fits their own perceptions. Most people also want an understandable explanation of their symptoms