Diseases & Conditions
Invisible illness: More than meets the eye
Many people live with health conditions that can't be seen, but there are ways to ease the burden.
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
You've just parked your car when you notice someone pull into a nearby handicapped spot, pop out of her vehicle, and smoothly walk into the store. "What gives?" you may think. "She doesn't look sick!"
Chances are she has a condition that can't be seen by the naked eye. So-called invisible illnesses affect an estimated 10% of the 61 million Americans who deal with a physical or mental ailment that limits their movements or senses, according to the CDC. And while a quarter of American adults have a condition that can be considered a disability, only a fraction use visible supports such as a cane or wheelchair, meaning most don't appear disabled, according to a 2021 paper in the AMA Journal of Ethics.
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About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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