Recovery Of People Research Articles

Disclosure processes as predictors of relationship outcomes among people in recovery from opioid use disorder: A longitudinal analysis

BackgroundPersonal disclosure of opioid use disorder (OUD) recovery can lead to relationship outcomes such as social support, which is associated with greater treatment retention, or stigma, which is associated with risk of treatment dropout. Although disclosure may have important impacts on the relationships and ensuing recovery trajectories of people with OUD, disclosure processes remain understudied in the context of OUD. MethodsGuided by the Disclosure Process Model, this longitudinal study explored the disclosure goals of people in treatment for OUD and examined associations between disclosure goals and relationship outcomes. Data were collected at baseline (N = 146) and three months later (n = 124) from participants who were in treatment for OUD and planning to disclose their OUD history and/or treatment to someone new. ResultsQualitative baseline data were analyzed to identify disclosure goals. Approach goals (i.e., reasons for disclosure) included support, honesty, amends, set an example, and logistics; avoidance goals (i.e., reasons against disclosure) included judgment, worry, and privacy. Quantitative data suggested that approach goals at baseline were associated with greater likelihood of disclosure within three months (OR=2.16, 95% CI=1.04–4.49) as well as with greater social support [B(SE)= 0.35(0.16), p = 0.03] and relationship closeness [B(SE)= 0.29(0.17), p = 0.01] following disclosures. In contrast, avoidance goals at baseline were associated with greater enacted stigma following disclosures [B(SE)= 0.30(0.14), p = 0.04]. ConclusionsFindings draw attention to the potentially important role of disclosures in relationship outcomes among people in recovery from OUD. Disclosure may represent a promising intervention target to improve relationship outcomes and recovery trajectories of people in recovery from OUD.

How People in Recovery Manage the Stigma of Being an Alcoholic

ABSTRACT Although stigma can jeopardize the recovery efforts of people who formerly misused substances, potentially leading to relapse, how people in recovery for alcoholism manage stigma has not been comprehensively or systematically examined. Using stigma management communication theory (SMC) and in-depth interviews of 22 adults in recovery, this investigation uncovered the six main strategies participants used to negotiate the stigma of being an alcoholic. Consistent with the tenets of SMC, interviewees accepted, evaded responsibility for, reduced offensiveness of, avoided, denied, and/or ignored/displayed the stigma, depending on whether they accepted or challenged that the stigma of being an alcoholic applied to themselves and/or the public’s perception. Findings inform practical strategies to help individuals in recovery effectively manage stigma while sustaining their sobriety. The study also suggests ways programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and treatment centers can use communication to break down recovery barriers.

Combination of Verb Network Strengthening Treatment with TMS and tDCS: Preliminary results

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques combined with behavioral speech/language therapies have recently been suggested as a promising method for language recovery in people with aphasia (PWA). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are currently the most common types of NIBS for aphasia rehabilitation. In this study, we combined either rTMS or tDCS with a behavioral therapy approach, Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST), that has neither been used before in a Russian-speaking post-stroke population nor combined with any type of NIBS. In a case series study, we demonstrate the results of two groups of participants: 1) 4 PWA who received one daily session of VNeST preceded by 20-minutes of rTMS for 8 – 12 days; and 2) 4 PWA who received 2 sessions of VNeST a day, with the first 20 minutes of the first daily session combined with tDCS, for 10 days. We assessed the accuracy of action naming and sentence production and found a significant improvement in sentence production in the tDCS + VNeST group, while the other group did not show a significant improvement in these tasks. Interestingly, we found a correlation between improvement in sentence production and the number of sessions regardless of the stimulation type and another correlation between improvement in action naming and initial aphasia severity. This study is a first attempt to apply the combination of these techniques in Russian. Our preliminary findings prompt larger-scale research to study the potential of this method.

The hunt for a job: narrating the process of gaining employment for people in recovery from lives dominated by drug use

Employment is (1) an important predictor of sustainable recovery for people with drug-use problems, (2) a high priority among those in recovery, and (3) an important goal for welfare policies. However, previous explorations of the process of gaining employment have been inadequate. The purpose of this study was to explore how people in recovery from lives dominated by drug use engage in securing paid employment, and how they make sense of this process. In-depth interviews were performed on three different occasions over 2.5 years with people experiencing the demanding process of gaining employment. We analyzed their stories employing a narrative approach, and located them in a social structural context drawing on human-capital framework. Our findings show how our participants drew on socially circulating stories of the ‘useless addict’, ‘normality’, and the ‘employable citizen’, which intersect with human-capital logic embedded in public activation programs. The knowledge obtained from this study demonstrates how socially circulating stories and human-capital logic contribute to the perception that people have about their readiness for work and how they can become employable. Further, it illuminates how recovery discourses mirror neoliberal values constituting the contextual setting in which the job hunt takes place.

An aphasia research agenda – a consensus statement from the collaboration of aphasia trialists

ABSTRACT Coordination of international aphasia research would minimise duplication of effort, support synergistic international activities across languages and multidisciplinary perspectives, and promote high-quality conduct and reporting of aphasia research, thereby increasing the relevance, transparency, and implementation of findings. The Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs) sought to develop an aphasia research agenda to direct future research activities, based on priorities shared by people with aphasia, family members, and healthcare professionals. Our established international research network spanning 33 countries contributed to this activity. Research literature reporting the priorities of stakeholders was reviewed and synthesized (phase 1). Representatives from Working Groups on Aphasia Assessment & Outcomes, Prognosis & Predictors of Recovery, Effectiveness of Interventions, and Societal Impact & Reintegration participated in a two-day research agenda-setting meeting. The CATs expert panel refined research objectives and identified constituent components of research and methodological developments required to address these research components. The objectives and research components were grouped into overarching themes (phase 2). The resultant list was then circulated to more than 180 CATs members for review, revision, and approval. Consensus on the final aphasia research agenda and roadmap was reached by CATs executive committee (phase 3). The expert panel identified five overarching research themes: (i) evidence-based interventions for people with aphasia, (ii) effective interventions to support those communicating with people with aphasia, (iii) cross-linguistic assessment and core outcomes for aphasia research, (iv) predictors of language recovery, and (v) clinical implementation of research findings. Within these broad themes, 30 research objectives and 91 individual aphasia research components were identified and sequentially ordered. This agenda builds on research priorities identified by people with aphasia and their families, and includes priorities of healthcare professionals and researchers, and will support the rehabilitation and recovery of people with aphasia. Our internationally relevant research agenda promotes rigor in methodology, considers international applicability, synergistic activities, and sharing of resources and expertise.

Cross-Cultural Study of Recovery in People with Schizophrenia: Methodology

Cross-Cultural Study of Recovery in People with Schizophrenia: Methodology

Coastal exposure and residents\u2019 mental health in the affected areas by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

No previous study has ever explored the association between coastal exposure and the mental health of residents in a post-disaster context. Therefore, we aimed to confirm whether there was an association between sea visibility and coastal proximity and the mental health of coastal residents a devastating tsunami. We targeted 15 coastal municipalities located in the Miyagi Prefecture, and obtained data from a community-based cohort study. The baseline survey was initiated 2 years after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the secondary survey was initiated 6 years after the disaster. We applied multilevel mixed-effects models to the longitudinal data. Our outcome measure was the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) score. We assessed the data collected from 2,327 respondents on both surveys as of April 2018 for this ongoing cohort study. We found that neither sea visibility nor coastal proximity was significantly associated with the recovery of mental health after the disaster. However, we found a distinctive trend of mental health recovery in people who lived alone with a sea view, indicating that visibility of the sea had a negative effect on their mental health immediately after the GEJET, but that the negative effect was subsequently eliminated.

"I Didn't See It as a Problem, I Thought It Was Going to Be Taken Away": Narratives From Family Members of Users in Rehab.

There are multiple discourses on addictions that influence the way in which relatives interpret the substance use of a family member. The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of these discourses on the construction of use as a problem by relatives of people in recovery. Narratives were obtained on the path of the illness to identify the phases in the construction of use as a problem and the influence of the discourses on each phase. The process has four successive phases: normalization, impasse, exasperation, and adoption of the treatment ideology. This process goes from the legitimization of use to its moral interpretation and subsequently to the transition to medical discourse. It is concluded that it is important to reduce the influence of the moral discourse in order to facilitate timely detection and early care, as well as to design interventions focused on the reconstruction of use as a problem.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of aquatic-based activities in a group occupational therapy program for adults living with serious mental illness in Spain.

Although aquatic-based interventions are increasingly used in the psychiatric rehabilitation services, the effects of this type of community program as an adjuvant therapy for psychosocial problems of people with serious mental illness (SMI) have been under-explored. This research evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of an occupational therapy program consisting of aquatic-based activities (AA-OT program) in the community in Spain. This study is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) on this topic. This pilot trial was conducted with a sample of 16 adults with SMI who were randomly allocated to the AA-OT program plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone (eight in each group). The AA-OT program included activation of daily living skills, warm-up, group activities/tasks, and relaxation. It consisted of two sessions per week over 12weeks. Outcomes were evaluated at week 0 and 12. A total of 14 participants (87.5%) completed the trial. No adverse events or side-effects were noted. Comparisons between the two groups on change scores showed that participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in several outcome measures: psychosocial problems (HoNOS), two health-related quality of life scales (SF-36: Physical Functioning and Mental Health), and performance of social activities (Activity and Social Relations scale). Satisfaction with the program was high. In conclusion, the results support the feasibility and potential benefits of this occupational therapy program. 12weeks of aquatic-based activities in a group intervention may enhance the outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation improving the severity of psychosocial problems, patient-reported health status, and social relations. This community-based program may be beneficial as a non-pharmacologic method in the illness management and recovery of people with SMI. The findings from this pilot trial need to be confirmed in a large, fully-powered RCT.

The impact of tocilizumab on respiratory support states transition and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. A Markov model multi-state study.

The benefit of tocilizumab on mortality and time to recovery in people with severe COVID pneumonia may depend on appropriate timing. The objective was to estimate the impact of tocilizumab administration on switching respiratory support states, mortality and time to recovery. In an observational study, a continuous-time Markov multi-state model was used to describe the sequence of respiratory support states including: no respiratory support (NRS), oxygen therapy (OT), non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), OT in recovery, NRS in recovery. Two hundred seventy-one consecutive adult patients were included in the analyses contributing to 695 transitions across states. The prevalence of patients in each respiratory support state was estimated with stack probability plots, comparing people treated with and without tocilizumab since the beginning of the OT state. A positive effect of tocilizumab on the probability of moving from the invasive and non-invasive mechanical NIV/IMV state to the OT in recovery state (HR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2-5.2) was observed. Furthermore, a reduced risk of death was observed in patients in NIV/IMV (HR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-0.7) or in OT (HR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.0-0.8) treated with tocilizumab. To conclude, we were able to show the positive impact of tocilizumab used in different disease stages depicted by respiratory support states. The use of the multi-state Markov model allowed to harmonize the heterogeneous mortality and recovery endpoints and summarize results with stack probability plots. This approach could inform randomized clinical trials regarding tocilizumab, support disease management and hospital decision making.

The role of trust and hope in antipsychotic medication reviews between GPs and service users a realist review

BackgroundIncreasing number of service users diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis are being discharged from specialist secondary care services to primary care, many of whom are prescribed long-term antipsychotics. It is unclear if General Practitioners (GPs) have the confidence and experience to appropriately review and adjust doses of antipsychotic medication without secondary care support.AimTo explore barriers and facilitators of conducting antipsychotic medication reviews in primary care for individuals with no specialist mental health input.Design & settingRealist review in general practice settings.MethodA realist review has been conducted to synthesise evidence on antipsychotic medication reviews conducted in primary care with service users diagnosed with schizophrenia or psychosis. Following initial scoping searches and discussions with stakeholders, a systematic search and iterative secondary searches were conducted. Articles were systematically screened and analysed to develop a realist programme theory explaining the contexts (C) and mechanisms (M) which facilitate or prevent antipsychotic medication reviews (O) in primary care settings, and the potential outcomes of medication reviews.ResultsMeaningful Antipsychotic medication reviews may not occur for individuals with only primary care medical input. Several, often mutually reinforcing, mechanisms have been identified as potential barriers to conducting such reviews, including low expectations of recovery for people with severe mental illness, a perceived lack of capability to understand and participate in medication reviews, linked with a lack of information shared in appointments between GPs and Service Users, perceived risk and uncertainty regarding antipsychotic medication and illness trajectory.ConclusionsThe review identified reciprocal and reinforcing stereotypes affecting both GPs and service users. Possible mechanisms to counteract these barriers are discussed, including realistic expectations of medication, and the need for increased information sharing and trust between GPs and service users.

Functional outcomes and subjective recovery of jumping to conclusions in schizophrenia

This study investigated the effects of the bias known as jumping to conclusions (JTC) on objective functional outcomes as well as subjective assessments of quality of life (QoL) and personal recovery among a sample of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Specifically, this study assessed the variables of JTC, psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, objective interpersonal and daily activities, vocational domains, subjective QoL, and personal recovery among 94 participants. Results showed that those in the JTC group had significantly lower neurocognitive and functional outcomes (moderate effect sizes); however, subjective measures such as QoL and personal recovery did not differ significantly according to JTC (small effect sizes). After adjusting for attributes, there were no statistically significant differences, but the JTC group demonstrated lower overall functional outcomes and higher individual recovery, each with a moderate effect size. This ‘trade-off’ is not evidence-guaranteed, and further research is recommended to examine the relationship between social functioning and personal recovery in people with JTC bias.

Cognitive recovery in people with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis: A randomized clinical trial on virtual reality-based neurorehabilitation

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) can adversely affect several domains of cognitive function, including attention, information processing, memory and learning, executive functions and visuospatial skills. In recent years, technological innovations have proven effective in improving motor and cognitive impairment in neurological patients, including those affected by MS. ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate cognitive outcomes after rehabilitation training with the Virtual Reality rehabilitation system (VRRS) in patients suffering from MS. MethodsAll patients were randomized into either the control group (CG: 15 patients) receiving conventional cognitive rehab or the experimental group (EG) using virtual reality (VR) (15 patients). Both groups underwent the same amount of cognitive training, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. They were submitted to neuropsychological assessment before (T0) and after the rehabilitation treatment (T1). ResultsOur data showed that both conventional and VR cognitive rehabilitation approaches improved mood (p < 0.001) and visuospatial skills. However, only in the EG a significant improvement in specific cognitive domains (p < 0.001), including learning ability, short-term verbal memory, lexical access ability, as well as quality of life related to mental states, was found. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that VR can be a motivational and effective tool for cognitive recovery in MS patients.

Recommendations for improving adolescent addiction recovery support in six northwest tribal communities.

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities offer tangible and intangible resources, including centuries of indigenous wisdom and resiliency, to support their young people in recovery from substance use disorders. At the same time, tribal youth returning home from residential or inpatient treatment are vulnerable to relapse, especially if they encounter the same environmental triggers in which their substance misuse developed. This study endeavored to learn about community stakeholder perceptions of existing strengths and needs for supporting recovering adolescents among six tribal communities of the Inland Northwest. Using a Tribal Participatory Research approach, we conducted Group Level Assessments with key stakeholders representing educators/coaches, medical and behavioral health providers, social service providers, cultural leaders/elders, and legal professionals among each participating tribe (N = 166). We used content analysis to identify emergent themes among participants' recommendations for improving recovery support. The five emergent themes were (1) Communication, Collaboration, and Accountability among Tribal Departments and Agencies; (2) Community-wide Education; (3) The Importance of Providing Wraparound/Supportive Services; (4) Youth-focused Education, Services, and Events; and (5) Recovery Coaching Model. AI/AN culture was infused within nearly all recommendations for improving recovery support that composed these themes. We discuss specific ways to implement these recommendations, including the forthcoming development of a culturally-grounded community-wide mental health training program developed specifically for, and with, these tribes.

The Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Sleep-Related Biomarkers, and Motor Skill Acquisition in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

Neurorehabilitation that involves learning new motor skills is one of the promising clinical methods for motor recovery in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS); therefore, factors that influence the acquisition of motor skills in PwMS need to be investigated. Sleep disturbances are common in PwMS; however, no study has investigated the effect of sleep and sleep-related biomarkers on skill acquisition in PwMS. This study aimed to examine the effect of sleep and sleep-related biomarkers on motor acquisition in PwMS. Forty participants with MS and 40 controls were recruited in this study. To assess motor acquisition, each participant was asked to perform a novel game through a virtual reality (VR) system 5 times (blocks). The main outcome measures for each block were the required time to complete the VR game and the recorded errors. The difference in scores between Block 5 and Block 1 for both outcomes were considered to represent motor skill acquisition. Sleep was assessed by self-report using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and objectively using sleep monitor technology. Serotonin level was assessed using means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using plasma samples. There were significant positive correlations in both groups between motor skill acquisition and PSQI score. In PwMS, significant negative correlation between motor skill acquisition and sleep efficiency and significant positive correlation between motor skill acquisition and sleep latency were also observed. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation was observed between motor skill acquisition and the plasma serotonin level in both groups. Most of these correlations remained significant after controlling for disease severity, fatigue, baseline performance, and cognitive status. Sleep quality may influence motor skill acquisition in PwMS. Circulatory serotonin level might explain this relationship. Physical therapists are encouraged to be aware of sleep quality and sleep assessment. Sleep management strategies should be considered when treating PwMS.

Narratives of Change: Identity and Recognition Dynamics in the Process of Moving Away From a Life Dominated by Drug Use

The concepts of identity and recovery capital are recognized as being an embedded part of moving away from a life dominated by drug use. However, the link between these two concepts and the effect of broader social structures, and the normative assumptions underpinning the condition of recovery, is less explored. This article focuses on the social practices of everyday life in the foreground of identity formation, meaning that “who I am” is an inseparable part of “what I do.” A narrative approach was employed to analyze qualitative follow-up data extracted from 48 in-depth interviews with 17 males and females with drug-using experience that were conducted posttreatment on three separate occasions over a period of 2.5 years. Theories of identity formation were employed to analyze the interdependent dynamic between social structure, persona and social resources, and way of life and identity. The analyses identified four narratives related to how people present themselves through the process of changing practices. Following the work of Honneth, we argue that the positive identity formation revealed in these narratives is best understood as a struggle for recognition via the principle of achievement. However, the participants’ self-narratives reflected cultural stories—specified as formula stories—of “normality,” “addiction,” and the “addict,” which work into the concepts of self and confine options of storying experiences during the recovery process. This study demonstrate that the process of recovery is culturally embedded and constitutes a process of adaption to conventional social positions and roles. We suggest challenging dominant discourses related to “addiction as a disease” and “normality” in order to prevent stigma related to drug use and recovery. In so doing, it may contribute to broaden conditions for identity (trans)formation for people in recovery.

Developmental language disorder and associated misconceptions

Although developmental language disorder (DLD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, it is often burdened by misconceptions since the general public are unaware of the features of this disorder. Insufficient levels of public awareness and knowledge about DLD highlight the need to adopt appropriate public awareness activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential misconceptions associated with the aetiology and recovery of people with DLD in three neighbouring countries - Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia. Additionally, we explored effective ways to promote the spread of accurate information among the public in order to minimise or eliminate false ideas about DLD. To address these specific aims, a public survey was conducted. It was completed by 287 respondents (ages 18 to 60+) with different educational backgrounds (primary and secondary or higher). The results show that the general public in all three countries are misinformed about DLD and hold strong opinions that it is a temporary condition that occurs in childhood, probably as a result of other developmental conditions, and that it will pass either spontaneously or with hard work and proper education. Moreover, the optimal way to increase awareness about DLD was dependent on the age and level of education of the person. Therefore, promoters (ideally researchers and clinicians) must apply specific activities when they target specific groups of people, or use different forms of dissemination activities to reach the broader public, regardless of age and education. The findings reveal a significant lack of knowledge about DLD among the general public and highlight the need for continued awareness campaigns that can target specific groups of people.

Recovery homes coping with COVID-19

Recovery homes are a widespread community resource that might be utilized by some individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and COVID-19. A growing collection of empirical literature suggests that housing can act as a low-cost recovery support system which could be effective in helping those with SUD sustain their recovery. Such settings could be already housing many residents affected by COVID-19. Many of these residents are at high risk for COVID-19 given their histories of SUD, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, and psychiatric comorbidity. Stable housing after treatment may decrease the risk of relapse to active addiction, and these types of settings may have important implications for those with housing insecurity who are at risk for being infected with COVID-19. Given the extensive network of community-based recovery homes, there is a need to better understand individual- and organizational-level responses to the COVID-19 pandemic among people in recovery homes as well as those managing and making referrals to the houses. At the present time, it is unclear what the effects of COVID-19 are on recovery home membership retention or dropout rates. This article attempts to provide a better understanding of the possible impact of COVID-19 on the infected and on recovery resources in general.

Being parent is associated with suicidal history in people with serious mental illness enrolled in psychiatric rehabilitation

Parenting is a central life experience that could promote recovery in people with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). It could also be challenging for parents with SMI and result in poor recovery-related outcomes. Parenting is often overlooked in psychiatric rehabilitation. The objectives of the present study were to identify the characteristics and needs for care of mothers and fathers with SMI enrolled in a multicentric non-selected psychiatric rehabilitation SMI sample. We consecutively recruited 1436 outpatients from the French National Centers of Reference for Psychiatric Rehabilitation cohort (REHABase). The evaluation included standardized scales for clinical severity, psychosocial function, quality of life and satisfaction with life, wellbeing, personal recovery and a broad cognitive battery. We found that parenting was associated to suicidal history in mothers and fathers with SMI. In the multivariate analysis, being mother was best explained by insight (p < 0.015, adjusted OR = 0.76 [0.59–0.90]), current age (p < 0.001, aOR = 1.13 [1.07–1.21]), education level (p = 0.008; aOR = 0.12 [0.02–0.53]) and family accommodation (p = 0.046, aOR = 0.19 [0.03–0.84]). Being father was best explained by suicidal history (p = 0.005, aOR = 3.85 [1.51–10.10]), marital status (in relationship, p < 0.001; aOR = 7.81 [2.73–23.84]), satisfaction with family relationships (p = 0.032, aOR = 1.22 [1.02–1.47]) and current age (p < 0.001, aOR = 1.16 [1.10–1.23]). In short, parenting was associated to increased history of suicide attempt in mothers and fathers with SMI. Mothers and fathers with SMI may have unique treatment needs relating to parenting and recovery-related outcomes. The implementation of interventions supporting the needs of parents with SMI in psychiatric rehabilitation services could improve parent and children outcomes.

Negative interpretations of ambiguous ‘psychosis‐like’ and ‘anxiety‐like’ experiences in recovery from psychosis or anxiety

Fear of relapse (FOR) after experiencing psychosis has been found to predict actual relapse; however, potential mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been investigated. Negative appraisals of 'prodromal symptoms' are believed to play an important role in both psychosis and mental health anxiety (MHA). This study aimed to explore whether people in recovery from psychosis or anxiety disorders show an enduring tendency to negatively interpret ambiguous experiences both related and less related to their previous mental health difficulty relative to controls. Cross-sectional between-groups questionnaire design. Participants self-reported as in recovery from psychosis (n=33) or anxiety (n=77) or without previous experience of mental health problems (n=61) were recruited online or via NHS services. Interpretations of psychosis-like, anxiety-like, and external-control experiences were measured using the newly developed Experiences Interpretation Questionnaire (EIQ). MHA and FOR were measured using self-report questionnaires. People in recovery from psychosis interpreted psychosis-like experiences significantly more negatively than the other groups. Negative interpretations of anxiety-like experiences were greater than controls but comparable between mental health groups. Contrary to predictions, FOR was not significantly different between the mental health groups. MHA and FOR did not significantly predict negative interpretations of psychosis-like items in the psychosis group, however, MHA predicted negative interpretations of anxiety-like items in the anxiety group. The EIQ subscales demonstrated good test-retest reliability. People in self-defined recovery from psychosis or anxiety are more likely to negatively interpret ambiguous experiences relating to their previous mental health difficulties. Clinical and future research implications are outlined. People in recovery from psychosis or anxiety appraise possible symptoms of their previous difficulties negatively/catastrophically (as indicating relapse) relative to those without prior MH problems. Clinicians should consider attending to how people in recovery appraise possible symptoms when encouraging early signs monitoring as part of relapse prevention. This may be important to ensure that self-monitoring leads to helpful responses rather than being counterproductive, with catastrophic interpretations leading to anxiety and thus increasing the risk of relapse. Interventions drawing on CBT principles to address catastrophic interpretations of possible symptoms may potentially be a useful addition to relapse prevention work; in psychosis this may also include symptoms of anxiety.