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.
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.
Authors: Charis P Kaite; Maria N Karanikola; Foteini J D Vouzavali; Anna Koutroubas; Anastasios Merkouris; Elizabeth D E Papathanassoglou Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2016-10-06 Impact factor: 3.630