It is sometimes considered a synonym for disease. Others
maintain that fine distinctions exist. Some have described
illness as the subjective perception by a patient of an
objectively defined disease. The mode of being healthy includes,
as defined by the World Health Organization, " [...] a state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity". When these conditions are
not fulfilled, then one can be considered to have an illness or
be ill. Medication and the science of pharmacology is used to
cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical conditions.
Developmental disability is a term used to describe severe,
life-long disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical
impairments. Social determinants of health are the social
conditions in which people live which determine their health.
Illnesses are generally related to social, economic, political,
and environmental circumstances. Social determinants of health
have been recognized by several health o