Recovering from mental health problems: perceived positive and negative effects of medication on reconnecting with life.
BACKGROUND
At present there is no coherent theory of mental health recovery capable of guiding clinical practice.


METHODS
On the basis of 32 interviews with those recovering in Ireland, a grounded theory study generated a theory of recovery as reconnecting with life. This paper reports extended findings on the perceived roles of medication in recovery.


RESULTS
Medication combined with other strategies was viewed as both a facilitator and a barrier of reconnecting with life. Reduction and change of medication were reported as facilitating reconnection.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of medication may need to be constantly revised to match self-perceived progress of reconnecting with life.
Kartalova-O'Doherty
Yulia
Y
Mental Health Research Unit of the Health Research Board, Dublin, Ireland. ykartalova@gmail.com
Doherty
Donna Tedstone
DT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs