Definitions of what recovery means to people at risk of mental illness should extend beyond symptom remission into broader areas of life and wellbeing.
According to researchers at the University of Birmingham, ‘personal recovery’ – defined as a person’s capacity to live a full meaningful life in a community of one’s choosing despite the limitations imposed by illness – can be experienced by people at risk of developing serious mental health problems.
The researchers argue that by identifying broader elements of recovery from emerging mental health problems, clinical services can widen the scope of interventions to support people at risk beyond preventing the onset of illness and supporting functional outcomes.
In a new study, published in Psychiatric Services, the team reviewed published research to explore young people’s experiences of personal recovery. Studies included in the review focused on participants identified as being at risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar, and major depressive disorders.