When bad things happen our brains change but psychotherapy and support can help the recovery of our brains and our lives

Abstract

Purpose

This paper summarises two 2014 research papers. The purpose of this paper is to suggest how the treatment of “schizophrenia” and other serious mental distress might realistically benefit both from new research evidence and recommendations for values-based practice that supports personally meaningful recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

First the author discusses a paper that reviews recent research on how people may come to have experiences labelled as psychosis. It looks at what happens to our brains and bodies when we experience severe stress and adversity, especially in childhood. Then the author discusses a paper that updates the international and values-driven consensus on how mental health services can support personal recovery, that is, recovery uniquely meaningful to each person and incorporating social inclusion.

Findings

The first paper summarises how a very adverse childhood can lead to experiences labelled as psychotic because of how the brain and body copes with stress. This and another paper suggest talking therapies may allow these changes to reverse. The paper on recommendations for practice illustrates the international consensus and wealth of guidance available to support values-based recovery-focused practice. Both allow the possibility that refusing antipsychotics may be a sensible decision.

Originality/value

The review of evidence on adversity, the brain and psychosis is the first summary of new research in this area since 2001. The paper on recovery-focused practice brings together a wealth of relevant material and recommendations for psychiatry.

Citation

Holttum, S. (2014), "When bad things happen our brains change but psychotherapy and support can help the recovery of our brains and our lives", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 52-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2014-0006