Recovery from schizophrenia: with views of psychiatrists, psychologists, and others diagnosed with this disorder

Abstract

As the concept of schizophrenia began to develop over a century ago, it was accompanied by little hope of recovery. As the second half of the 20th century began, new treatments and changing social conditions resulted in most long-term patients being discharged into the community. Many of these expatients showed more improvement than had been expected. Treatment approaches evolved to help these persons live better lives in the community. In the recent past, psychosocial and psychiatric rehabilitation approaches to treatment have increasingly incorporated perspectives of persons in recovery. These perspectives are explored with emphasis on how they have helped drive federal government and other perspectives on recovery. Particular attention is given to the varying views of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other highly trained persons who have themselves been diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia.