What does recovery from schizophrenia mean? Perceptions of psychiatrists

This study investigated the meaning of recovery in schizophrenia in a group of trainee psychiatrists in Hong Kong. A qualitative methodology was used based on two, three-hour focus groups. A number of major categories emerged from this group of trainee psychiatrists, including the possibility of full recovery, indefinite use of antipsychotic medication, personal recovery in the presence of persistent symptoms and risk of patients to themselves and society. Overall, this group of psychiatrists in training tended to be rather paternalistic and pessimistic about the prospect of recovery in schizophrenia. Traditional education of psychiatrists over-emphasises biological reductionism and may lead to the entrenchment of negative views about recovery in schizophrenia. The implications for future psychiatric training are discussed. We conclude that further research directions are suggested as well as ways to change attitudes of psychiatrists to recovery.