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What does recovery from schizophrenia mean? Perceptions of long-term patients
Roger M K Ng1, Veronica Pearson, May Lam
1Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, China. ngmk@ha.org.hk
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.
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