The experience of psychosis and recovery from consumers' perspectives: An integrative literature review

Abstract

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject? Since the first decade of this century, few qualitative studies and literature reviews have reported consumers' experiences of psychosis and recovery. The findings from these studies need further exploration. What does the paper add to existing knowledge? New insights into consumers' experiences of psychosis were generated. Additionally, understanding of consumers' conceptions and experiences of recovery were reported. Consumers' insights into the enablers and barriers to recovery that they encountered were also identified. Gaps in the literature remain, particularly those related to the effects of gender and culture on consumers' experiences of and recovery from psychosis. What are the implications for practice? Nurses' understanding of consumers' perspectives and experiences of psychosis is vital to enhancing the quality of mental health nursing when caring for people living with psychosis. To support user‐based recovery, mental health nurses need to incorporate person‐centred approaches and reduce their preferencing of medical understandings of recovery. AbstractIntroductionPsychosis is a distressing disorder. Consumers' perspectives about their experiences of psychosis and recovery are essential aspects of mental health nursing.AimsTo review contemporary evidence related to consumers' experiences of and recovery from psychosis.MethodAn integrative review was the method used; six databases were systematically searched. Of the 157 articles screened, 14 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal tools. Data were compared, classified and integrated.ResultsFindings revealed that consumers' experiences of psychosis included issues with self‐expression and language, psychosocial problems and stigma. Also, consumers' experiences associated with their recovery were reported, and this included their perspectives on the enablers and barriers that they encountered.DiscussionConsumer's experiences of and recovery from psychosis provide an essential basis for managing and working with people experiencing psychosis. Further research identifying the potential effects of gender and culture into consumers' lived experiences is required.Implications for practiceExploring the experience of someone with psychosis will help nurses to understand the impacts of this condition. This understanding can guide nurses to apply recovery‐oriented practices. Specific aspects of psychosis experience, including gender and culture, should inform nurses' practices towards recovery.