The perspectives of previous young adult psychiatric patients regarding mental health recovery and the influence of received psychiatric care - a qualitative 20-year follow-up study

Young adults (18–25 years) have the highest prevalence of psychiatric disorders of any age group. This qualitative study aims to gain perspectives on individual change and recovery, and the influence of psychiatric care, 20 years after being treated as young adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 20-year follow-up with 18 participants from the original ‘Young Adult’ study in Uppsala, Sweden from 2002/2003. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The analysis resulted in three themes: Personal recovery, Communication and participation in psychiatric care, and Organization of psychiatric care. Personal recovery included subthemes: Acceptance of vulnerability, Maturity, and Social stigma. Communication and participation in psychiatric care included subthemes: Personal approach, and Individually-adapted care and individual responsibility. Organization of psychiatric care included subthemes: Availability of health care, Resources, and Diagnostics and treatment. Personal recovery for young adults included social changes, comparison with peers, being between dependence and independence, and stigma. Acceptance of vulnerability and maturity helped to increase stability. Communication, participation and the organization of psychiatric care were described within the framework of patient-centred care, with an emphasis on an empathetic approach and the availability of psychiatric care. These findings offer clinically relevant insights into how psychiatric services can support long-term recovery.