When an individual has two or more distinct illnesses at the same time, this is called comorbidity. The ailments could be physical or mental. For example, a person might suffer from depression and multiple sclerosis, or anxiety and an eating disorder .
What Is Comorbidity? (Plain Language Explanation)
Comorbidity refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Comorbidity
- Symptoms: The specific ways comorbidity shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen comorbidity
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When comorbidity occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Comorbidity
- Comorbidity is far more common than most people realize
- Comorbidity is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with comorbidity see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about comorbidity is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing comorbidity, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.