Recovering from mental health problems: Perceived positive and negative effects of medication on reconnecting with life

In: The international journal of social psychiatry, Band 57, Heft 6, S. 610-618

Abstract

Background: At present there is no coherent theory of mental health recovery capable of guiding clinical practice. Materials: 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.