What does recovery from schizophrenia mean? Perceptions of long-term patients.
BACKGROUND
The study investigated the meaning of recovery to eight people with chronic schizophrenia.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ng
Roger M K
RM
Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, China. ngmk@ha.org.hk
Pearson
Veronica
V
Lam
May
M
Law
C W
CW
Chiu
Cindy P Y
CP
Chen
Eric Y H
EY
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002681:China; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003469:Culture; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment