Mental health care for persons with a severe psychiatric diagnosis and their recovery

Abstract

This research was aimed to analyze the perception of mental health care of people with a severe psychiatric diagnosis and the possibilities of recovery that they are offered. A cross-sectional descriptive qualitative method was used. It was taken a convenience sample which consisted of 16 people over 18 years diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who participated in groups of users and/or families. It was carried out a content and thematic analysis of the interviews. People present experiences of good treatment related to personal characteristics and technical competence of professionals. On the other hand, stigma is linked to both disrespectful forms of relationship and to little participation of the user in decision making. Additionally, structural aspects of the care were also considered. These experiences facilitate or hinder the recovery process of the subjects. The findings show how the biomedical model coexists with the mental health community model, which is expressed in health care. These visions generate a little empathic treatment or a relationship based on respect to one another.