[The problem of multiple somatic and/or psychiatric pathology basic concepts and prevalence].

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Neurology

Background:

• Recent decades show a significant increase in the study of multiple pathologies across medical fields.
• Multiple pathologies, referred to as multimorbidity or comorbidity, are prevalent, representing the norm rather than the exception in patient care.
• The presence of multiple health conditions poses considerable clinical, organizational, and economic challenges within the healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of multiple pathologies in medicine.
• To clarify the terminology surrounding multiple health conditions, including multimorbidity and comorbidity.
• To examine the prevalence of multiple pathologies and their impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies from recent decades.
• Analysis of terminology related to multiple pathologies.
• Examination of prevalence data for multimorbidity and comorbidity.

Main Results:

• Growing scientific interest in multiple pathologies, especially in psychiatry and neurology.
• Multimorbidity and comorbidity are common, impacting patient care significantly.
• The review addresses the clinical, organizational, and economic burdens associated with multiple pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Multiple pathologies are a widespread and significant issue in modern medicine.
• Clear terminology and understanding of prevalence are crucial for managing multimorbidity and comorbidity.
• Addressing the challenges of multiple pathologies is essential for effective patient care and healthcare system efficiency.