What Does Recovery From Schizophrenia Mean? Perceptions of Long-Term Patients

Roger M.K. Ng, Veronica Pearson, May Lam, C.W. Law, Cindy P.Y. Chiu and Eric Y.H. Chen
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Roger M.K. Ng: Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, ngmk@ha.org.hk
Veronica Pearson: Department of Social Work and Administration, University of Hong Kong
May Lam: Department of Psychiatry, Taipo Hospital, Hong Kong
C.W. Law: Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Cindy P.Y. Chiu: Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Eric Y.H. Chen: Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2008, vol. 54, issue 2, 118-130

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: cultural differences; long term; recovery; schizophrenia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:54:y:2008:i:2:p:118-130

DOI: 10.1177/0020764007084600

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