PsychologyAugust 8, 2026

chronification

krah-nuh-fih-KAY-shun

Definition

The process by which an acute medical or psychiatric condition transitions into a long-term, persistent, or chronic illness.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'chronos' (time) combined with the Latin 'facere' (to make), this term describes the transformation of a condition into one that lasts over time.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe how current medical practices, which prioritize quick medication fixes over addressing underlying social or psychological needs, unintentionally cause patients' mental health issues to become permanent, debilitating conditions.

Opinion | RFK Jr. Has a Point About Psychiatry. It's Not the One He's Making.

Read the full article ↗

MedPage Today

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