Chronic mental illness: the timeless trajectory

Mental illness encompasses many dimensions. While the etiology of most major disorders remains unclear, their devastating effects are readily apparent. The substantive and practical value of the trajectory model of chronic illness is examined in relation to the characteristics of major mental disorders. Two clinical vignettes illustrating the timeless trajectory of chronic mental illness are analyzed with reference to the model's components. The potential utility of this model for revitalizing research and practice in psychiatric-mental health nursing is discussed.