Autoimmune Disorders in Women

Question 1

Autoimmune disorder

Answer 1

Failure of the immune system to discriminate between self and non-self cells, and thus attacks the body’s own cells.
Ex). Lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogeren’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Question 2

Idiosyncratic

Answer 2

Symptoms differ from person to person.

Question 3

Progressive Diseases

Answer 3

Disease and symptoms get worse over time.

Question 4

Predisposition

Answer 4

Gene that increases risk for autoimmune disease to develop in response to “trigger” from environmental factors (e.g. bacteria/viral infections, hormones, pregnancy, the sun, medications).

Question 5

Hashimoto’s Disease

Answer 5

A type of autoimmune disease that results from an underactive thyroid gland.

Question 6

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Answer 6

A type of autoimmune disease characterized by the inability to sweat and produce tears.

Question 7

Irritable bowel syndrome

Answer 7

Is a condition that involves recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Question 8

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 8

Is an inflammatory process that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and deformities.

Question 9

Lupus

Answer 9

Is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation to occur in any part of the body. It is known to cause visible redness and inflammation to the skin.

Question 10

Multiple sclerosis

Answer 10

Is a progressive condition that causes nerve damage and can disrupt communication between the brain and the body.

Question 11

Type 1 Diabetes

Answer 11

Is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, which means that sugar cannot be converted.

Question 12

Immune System

Answer 12

System in the body that is responsible for protecting the body against infection and disease by recognizing foreign antigens and destroying or eliminating them.

Question 13

Social support

Answer 13

Includes emotional support, information about a disorder, and suggestions about how to cope. Also encompasses practical advice about such topics as devices and tangible services to make life easier.

Question 14

“Good patient”

Answer 14

Preferred by doctors, similar to stereotypic feminine role (passive, cooperative, etc), opposite of patients who attempt to advocate for themselves as that can be seen as “hysterical” and “difficult”

Question 15

Sick role

Answer 15

Taking on all of the attributes of being a sick person/”victim”

Question 16

Impaired Role

Answer 16

Disorder may affect an individual’s ability to perform all of their roles to the same ability as before but they can adapt.

Question 17

Invisible symptoms

Answer 17

Having symptoms that are not observable, e.g. fatigue, pain

Question 18

Adherence

Answer 18

Compliance to treatment regimen

Question 19

Coping

Answer 19

Includes relaxation strategies, positive reappraisal (focusing on the benefits or positives), avoidance (which is maladaptive).

Question 20

Positive reappraisal

Answer 20

Changing thought patterns by focusing on the positive rather than negative aspects of having a chronic illness.