Conceptualisation of recovery from psychosis: A service-user perspective

Aims and method: There has been much uncertainty about the concept of recovery in psychosis. The aim of this paper is to conceptualise recovery, through service users' descriptions of their recovery stories. A qualitative approach (interpretive phenomenological analysis) was used to guide interviews and analysis of data. Results: Eight service users were interviewed about their recovery from psychosis. Data analysis revealed four superordinate themes: 'impacts on mental health', 'self-change and adaptation', 'social redefinition' and 'individualised coping mechanisms'. Clinical implications: Data indicates that multiple dimensions of recovery are all important to individuals when considering their subjective experiences of recovery from psychosis. Recovery can only be conceptualised by the person making the recovery journey and treatment outcome measures must reflect this individuality. Declaration of interest: This paper outlines independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research.