Concept and Model of Recovery

This chapter first distinguishes between two concepts of recovery currently at play in psychiatry, one based on a medical/clinical perspective of complete remission of symptoms and impairments and one based on a personal/experiential perspective of living a meaningful life in the face of an ongoing disability. The findings of a recent meta-analysis on the nature of this second, personal, model of recovery are then described, outlining five key processes of social connection, hope and optimism about the future, reconstructing a positive sense of personal and social identity, finding meaning in life, and becoming empowered in one’s care and in one’s life. Finally, the implications of each component of this model for transforming clinical practice are considered. The chapter concludes that while substantial progress has been made in shifting mental health policy toward a recovery orientation, and in developing and expanding self-help/mutual support and peer support interventions, a broader and deeper transformation of routine clinical practice remains largely a task for the future.