# Explain why a person who is diagnosed with a communicable disease may also experience poor mental health.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 5.1 Health and disease · Explain · 4 marks

> Health is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being'. A communicable disease is a disease caused by a pathogen that can be spread between individuals.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A communicable disease is caused by a pathogen / can be spread between individuals
2. The physical symptoms of the communicable disease negatively affect the individual's well-being / health
3. Health requires complete physical, mental AND social well-being (WHO definition), so a disorder in one aspect affects the others
4. Social isolation / stigma / inability to carry out normal activities due to the communicable disease contributes to poor mental health

## Key terms

- [health](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/health)
- [communicable disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/communicable-disease)
- [disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-person-who-is-aae75469) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.