Families' experience during recovery or nonrecovery from psychosis

This naturalistic qualitative study was conducted to expand understanding of families' subjective experiences to their relative's recovery or non recovery from psychosis. Nine families, who had a member with a chronic mental illness who was taking a second generation neuroleptic medication, were interviewed five times over the course of one year. Eight families reported positive outcomes, particularly valuing improved interpersonal relationships. Cautious optimism was restored. Interest in maintaining or establishing collaborative relationships with professionals was affirmed regardless of the length of their relative's psychotic experience. Nonrecovery punctuated the need for professionals to assist them to maintain hope while comforting them in their sorrow.