Corrigan Approach To Recovery

Recovery: an approach mental health professionals’ first began to use to redefine one’s attitude, goals, and feelings in order to live a comfortable life despite the limitations of illness. Diagnostic labelling associated with mental illness has proven to cause devastating effects on the lives of those with psychological disorders. Whitley finds that mental illness is not life-long nor is it a chronic condition that will lead to deterioration (1248). Various methods are now under consideration by psychiatrists and sociologists, which include assimilating long-term recovery patients into their studies. Corrigan approaches the process of stigmatizing mental illness and its association with clinical diagnosis through the cognitive behavioural
As a result, someone diagnosed should not be assigned to a certain diagnostic class with similar symptoms, but instead, individuals should be understood on a continuum. Corrigan anticipates that when the DSM moves towards a “dimensional approach,” it will aid in the overall recovery process (36). He suggests that continuing to interact with patients while they are still recovering and not just during their initial challenges will highlight complex individuals (36). He specifies that this will allow those interacting to understand that psychopathology is only temporary, and there is a road to recovery (36). Finally, Corrigan believes in replacing assumptions about poor prognosis with “models of recovery” (37). Corrigan argues that broadening perspectives, which include notions of recovery will allow the diagnosed to suffice a normal life
This report indicates a significant amount of positive changes in the lives of those diagnosed, especially when health care professionals are able to re-arrange the environment to suit the interests of the child. This re-arrangement results in increased social interaction, specifically when a child is presented with a problem that requires solving (496). Similar results were found in studies by Dawson and Galpert (1990) and by Greenspan and Wieder (1997), as increasing social interactions were reported as a result of occupational therapy. These strategies specific to occupational therapy take on a very different approach from physical therapy and communicational therapy approaches as the occupational therapist creates a “natural play scenario” (496). The patient imitates the interaction and the therapist then follows the child’s move, resulting in positively increased social interactions, and leading to overall behavioural adaptations (492, 496). Occupational therapy holds promise to every autism patient, by working towards their specific needs and providing boundless life