Condition management and the causes of psychosis

Abstract

PurposeThis Research Watch seeks to summarise two recent research papers. The first evaluates a scheme that trains people in managing their mental health or physical condition to increase their chances of gaining employment. The second examines the social causes of psychosis.Design/methodology/approachA search was carried out for research papers with a mental health and social inclusion focus published within the past 12 months.FindingsIn the first paper, half of a sample of over 2,000 people accessing a seven‐week cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)‐based condition management programme (CMP) for people with mental or physical health conditions showed a clear improvement in psychological well‐being, and three months later 26 per cent were either in paid work or working towards it. However, there is a case for employment support being more integrated with the mental health system, and possibly also not to be time‐limited. The second paper highlights the importance of recognising the multifaceted and complex causes of psychosis and, in particular, social causes. If these social causes were to be given as much weight as biological factors, then it seems likely that social exclusion, and psychosis itself, would be reduced.Originality/valueThis paper summarises research relating to mental health and social inclusion that has emerged within the past 12 months.