Recovery as a mind-brain paradigm.
Struck by the sometimes contradictory representations of recovery that rehabilitation specialists resort to in their professional activity, we examine five models covering the whole range: neuronal regeneration, neuro-psychological plasticity, intersensory compensation, behavioural relearning, and finally the cognitive and affective concern for a new life. This exercise and a review of the literature lead us to consider a two-way relationship between psychological adaptation and nervous restoration. We think that reference to a integral model of recovery is essential for an inter-disciplinary team to find all the means for helping each individual case. The implications appear to be valid not only for rehabilitation, but also for the daily care of the chronically handicapped: it is suggested that they should benefit from a comparative study in which they experience the different modes of action. In special education also, mentally handicapped children should be trained by different methods tested with each child; a sequential programme of alternating periods of verbal, visual, and bodily training is proposed.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008606:Mental Processes; D009042:Motivation; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012046:Rehabilitation; D014706:Verbal Learning; D014796:Visual Perception