An artistic movement made up of American artists in the 1940s and 1950s, also known as the New York School, or more narrowly, action painting. Abstract Expressionism is usually characterized by large abstract painted canvases, although the movement also includes sculpture and other media. Related: Carolee Schneemann.
Definition: Illness. Illness refers to the sociocultural context within which disease is experienced. The patient and his/her family label, classify, and explain the sickness episode in such a way that it can be personally and socially meaningful (Kleinman 1978).or many adults, the functional component is a critical factor in defining health or illness--in the absence of symptoms, there is no disease. A world view of many cultural groups integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and holds that all three are necessary for optimal health.
acute disease, a disease characterized by a relatively sudden onset of symptoms that are usually severe. An episode of acute disease results in recovery to a state comparable to the patient's condition of health and activity before the disease, in passage into a chronic phase, or in death. Examples are pneumonia and appendicitis. See also chronic disease. (1) Any illness that develops quickly, is intense or severe and lasts a relatively short period of time. (2) Any conditionâe.g., infection, trauma, fractureâwith a short (often less than 1 month) clinical course. Acute illnesses usually respond to therapy; a return to a state of completeâpre-morbidâhealth is the norm.