The experience of psychosis and recovery from consumers' perspectives: An integrative literature review.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Psychosis is a distressing disorder. Consumers' perspectives about their experiences of psychosis and recovery are essential aspects of mental health nursing. To review contemporary evidence related to consumers' experiences of and recovery from psychosis. An integrative review was the method used; six databases were systematically searched. Of the 157 articles screened, 14 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal tools. Data were compared, classified and integrated. Findings revealed that consumers' experiences of psychosis included issues with self-expression and language, psychosocial problems and stigma. Also, consumers' experiences associated with their recovery were reported, and this included their perspectives on the enablers and barriers that they encountered. Consumer's experiences of and recovery from psychosis provide an essential basis for managing and working with people experiencing psychosis. Further research identifying the potential effects of gender and culture into consumers' lived experiences is required. Exploring the experience of someone with psychosis will help nurses to understand the impacts of this condition. This understanding can guide nurses to apply recovery-oriented practices. Specific aspects of psychosis experience, including gender and culture, should inform nurses' practices towards recovery.