[The impact on clinical practice of the concept of chronicity].
Studies of higher level of evidence show that the clinic of chronic diseases such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is not crystallized and is liable to be changed positively by pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Supporting the concept of chronicity or "clinical unchangeable", not being supported by scientific evidence, lies in the way of belief or prejudice. Thinking that chronic diseases can't be improved by therapeutic interventions may result in not offering treatment options. We could be facing a chronicity generated in the minds of colleagues and not in the scope of the clinical patients. The beliefs and prejudices of professionals in the mental health field might have a stigmatizing effect similar to that of the general population. Intense antistigma activity is needed not only in the general public but also within our field. The clarification of the concept of chronicity is located on this line.
Herbst
Luis
L
Servicio de Consultorios Externos, Hospital José T. Borda, Buenos Aires, Argentina. lherbst@proyectosuma.org
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D011287:Prejudice; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy