What Does Recovery From Schizophrenia Mean? Perceptions of Long-Term Patients

• Published in: International journal of social psychiatry Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 118 - 130
• Main Authors: Ng, Roger M.K., Pearson, Veronica, Lam, May, Law, C.W., Chiu, Cindy P.Y., Chen, Eric Y.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.03.2008; Sage; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Attitude to Health; Biological and medical sciences; China; Chronic Disease; Culture; Drugs; Focus Groups; Friendship; Helplessness; Hopelessness; Humans; Independent living; Meaning; Medical sciences; Models, Theoretical; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychoses; Recovery; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenia - drug therapy; Schizophrenic Psychology; Social Adjustment; China; long term; recovery; schizophrenia; cultural differences; Human; Social environment; Attitude; Hope hopelessness; Neuroleptic; Psychotropic; Subjective experience; Pharmacotherapy; Schizophrenia; Psychosis; Chronic; Treatment; Cross sectional study; Cultural environment; Young adult; Adult; Remission; Qualitative analysis; Focus group
• ISSN: 0020-7640; 1741-2854
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764007084600

Background: The study investigated the meaning of recovery to eight people with chronic schizophrenia. Method: A qualitative methodology was used based on a 3-hour focus group. The material was transcribed and analysed into 18 subcategories and 4 categories; namely recovery as a multi-dimensional construct, the relationship of medication to recovery, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness about recovery, factors that promoted recovery. Discussion: Respondents believed that full recovery could not be said to have been achieved until they stopped medication and had a steady job. The support and care of family and friends were also vital, although sometimes problematic. Independent living has a different meaning in Chinese culture. Conclusions: Further research directions are suggested as well as ways to change attitudes to the inclusion of medication in recovery.