Invisible Illnesses

This entry examines invisible illnesses and how individuals who live with an invisible illness may face stigma predicated on social (mis)perceptions about health and illness. Communication about invisible illness can impact identity presentation and management leading to illness concealment and/or social and self-disclosure. Illness narratives and embodiment research elucidate how illness is experienced, felt, and understood by those with invisible illnesses. Patient–clinician communication is examined as an important role in diagnosing and treating illness. Online groups and social media are also explored as important sites of support. There is a need for more health communication research to explore the intersectionality of marginalized identities and invisible illnesses.