Lived experiences of recovery among persons with schizophrenia and their caregiver perspectives in Thailand

Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling mental disease that is typically diagnosed in early adulthood and persists in every part of the person’s life, often leading to poor health outcomes, long-term care, and disability. Recovery from schizophrenia is a complex and multidimensional concept and several different ways. Recovery is subjective, focuses on areas of personal development, emphasizes the subjective recovery of an individual, peculiar and nonlinear process that emerges from the perspectives of persons who experience schizophrenia. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the crucial components of their recovery, along with their self-discovery, aspirations, hopes and proud accomplishments of schizophrenia person. The purpose of this study was to explores the meaning and experiences of recovery among schizophrenic patients who are in the recovery phase perceived by individuals living with schizophrenia and their caregivers. This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to understand and interpret the experiences of recovery from schizophrenia. The participants were purposively selected with met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a total of 46 cases, including 23 cases with schizophrenia in recovery and 23 cases with their caregivers. The data was collected between December 2021 and June 2022. Each in-depth interview took approximately 45-90 minutes. The data from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using hermeneutical analysis. The results found the meaning of recovery experiences for schizophrenic persons in the recovery phase in the context of Thailand. Both patients and their primary caregivers defined the experiences of recovery from schizophrenia as ‘bringing life back to normal living’. Four main themes were emerged: 1) recognizing oneself as normal and similar to others; 2) good living and happiness; 3) meaningful and hopeful life; and 4) receiving care and assistance from the people around them. As for the experiences of caregivers of persons living with schizophrenia, there emerged three main themes as follows: 1) families are happy as though a new family member returned; 2) a normal life, and 3) being dependable to the family. In conclusion, findings create the guidelines and principles of recovery for schizophrenia persons in depth and lead them to take care of themselves. Moreover, schizophrenia patients can get a new life back to normal living which will enhance good living and happiness. It can increase a good quality of life for both the patient and their family and community. In addition, it also reduces the burden of expenses on families and the national budget.