Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/84994
Title: Psychiatrists' perceptions of schizophrenia and its recovery in the Maltese context
Authors: Sargent, Janice (2017)
Keywords: Schizophrenia -- Malta
Schizophrenia -- Treatment -- Malta
Psychiatrists -- Malta -- Attitudes
Physician and patient -- Malta
Issue Date: 2017
Citation: Sargent, J. (2017). Psychiatrists' perceptions of schizophrenia and its recovery in the Maltese context (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: Psychiatrists' perceptions of schizophrenia and its recovery have a direct impact on how the psychiatrist interacts with the patient and the individuals' journey of recovery. The author carried out semi-structured interviews with six psychiatrists who have completed their postgraduate specialization in psychiatry. Through thematic analysis, the researcher organized the findings into four overarching themes: psychiatrists' perceptions of schizophrenia; ways of working with individuals with schizophrenia; the relational aspect of working with individuals with schizophrenia; and, psychiatrists' perceptions of recovery in schizophrenia. All participants viewed schizophrenia as an illness with a biological basis. Making a diagnosis of schizophrenia was said to be largely based on clinical experience. Medication was seen as a central part of treatment, such that engaging the patient was considered to be a priority. Complete recovery was defined as being asymptomatic and being able to function without the use of medication; however, living in the community while being on medication was also seen as a form of recovery. Only one psychiatrist defined recovery according to the recovery model, which views the individual as a whole with the potential of living a meaningful life despite schizophrenia. A number of participants noted the lack of adequate community services and human resources needed to be able to adopt a more multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of schizophrenia. Policy makers need to become sensitive to the way the current structure of the local mental health system influences psychiatrists' view of recovery and their decisions regarding the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia.
Description: M.PSY.COUNSELLING
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/84994
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacSoW - 2017
Dissertations - FacSoWPsy - 2017

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