title: "I used to think that they were all abnormal. And I was the normal one": conceptualizing mental health and mental health treatment under Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2006 to provide more effective and efficient services to people experiencing mild to moderate mental ill health. The model represents a paradigm shift in how we provide psychological care to large populations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We wanted to document how the IAPT program impacted on patients' understanding of their mental health, and mental health treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used Foucauldian Discourse Analysis to analyze six semi-structured research interviews with patients from one IAPT service in a major UK city.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants constructed their mental health problems as individual pathologies. Constructions of mental health and of treatment evidenced the privileging of personal responsibility and social productivity over dependency on others and the state.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Services are functioning well for some. The role of IAPT in pathologizing those who are dependent on people and services requires further commentary and action.
authors.affiliation: a School of Psychology, University of East London , Water Lane , London , UK.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mackinnon
authors.affiliation: a School of Psychology, University of East London , Water Lane , London , UK.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: IAPT; mental health; mental health service delivery