aftereffects

Aftereffects are the consequences that occur after an event, action, or process. They can be intended or unintended, beneficial or harmful, and may appear immediately or after a delay. The term is often used in medicine, psychology, environmental science, law, and social discourse.

In medicine and public health, aftereffects refer to symptoms or conditions that persist after an illness, treatment, or exposure. Examples include fatigue after infection, or the lingering effects after anesthesia, though specific terminology might distinguish residual or long-term effects.

In psychology and trauma studies, aftereffects describe enduring emotional, cognitive, or behavioral responses following a traumatic event, such as increased anxiety or avoidance, which can require therapy or social support.

In other contexts, aftereffects describe the longer-term impacts of events like natural disasters, wars, or economic shocks. These can influence policy decisions, recovery timelines, and social dynamics.

The concept is distinct from immediate causes and from side effects that occur during a treatment; aftereffects imply a subsequent phase whose duration and severity may vary widely.

In popular usage, the notion underscores how events echo through time, shaping conditions long after the initial incident.