On the path to recovery: Patients' experiences of treatment with long-acting injections of antipsychotic medication

The aim of the present study was to explore how patients experience living with long-acting depot antipsychotics given by injection. An interpretive perspective and a qualitative content analysis guided the research process and data analysis. Findings indicate that the participants understood dependency on depot treatment, as a 'safety-net' protecting from relapses and re-hospitalizations. More 'normal lives' became possible despite continuing distress from untoward effects. Participants also expressed favourable attitudes when they suffered from disabling side-effects or when they were committed to psychiatric treatment. Adherence to treatment was understood as crucial for recovering. The recovery process, related to depot treatment, was described as mainly based on the participants' experiential knowledge. This implies the need for exploring, in communication with patients, different kinds of support that might benefit their recovery.