Persons with psychosis as active agents interacting with their disorder

The current study focuses on the various strategies employed by individuals coping with psychiatric disorders. Data was gathered as part of the Yale Longitudinal Study; participants were 43 males and females--men and women with psychotic symptoms who were diagnosed with either schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or major affective disorder with psychotic features. Participants were first assessed during hospitalization and completed bi-monthly follow-up interviews over the course of a year. Using qualitative research methods, each participant was interviewed using a semistructured interview that assessed the course of the disorder and change processes, focusing on each person's experiences of coping with a mental illness. In employing qualitative research methods the data obtained was distinctive in that it was suggested by the participants themselves, rather than being limited to predetermined categories. Results revealed a number of common coping strategies employed by individuals with a mental illness. These included: regulating activity, involvement and external stimuli; controlling symptoms; determination and hope; and the instigation of a change in attitude. The implications of these results are discussed for further research and for developing more effective treatment interventions for people with psychiatric disorders.