Living Well With Psychosis: Is It Possible?

"For ages, psychosis was seen as a sort of "kiss of death" diagnosis. Living well with a serious mental health condition was seen as staying out of the hospital and on medication. Yet, 'treatment compliance' alone is rarely a life goal. Pioneers like Dr. Patricia Deegan spoke openly against this mentality. A psychologist who herself had journeyed through psychosis, she argued that people can live good lives with mental health conditions and that recovery is possible."

"Dr. Brinen is one of a team of psychologists who co-created 'recovery-oriented cognitive therapy.' Recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R) blends the message of recovery-that it is possible to have a good life with mental health conditions-with specific principles of cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals get back on track with their life goals. The therapy has shown success in improving hope and encouraging steps toward recovery in people with mental health conditions"

Psychosis was long treated as a near–terminal diagnosis, with recovery reduced to avoiding hospitalization and taking medication. Treatment compliance alone rarely equates to a meaningful life. Pioneers such as Dr. Patricia Deegan, who experienced psychosis herself, advocated that people can live good lives and achieve recovery. Advocacy, peer support, and shared stories have bolstered hope and informed interventions. Organizations like ISPS-US convene clinicians and people with lived experience to advance psychological and social approaches. Recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), co-created by Dr. Aaron Brinen and colleagues, integrates recovery principles with CBT to restore hope, realign life goals, and promote steps toward recovery.

Read at Psychology Today