“I live, I don’t work, but I live a very normal life”—A qualitative interview study of Scandinavian user experiences of schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication, and personal recovery processes

Abstract

Purpose To illuminate user experiences of schizophrenia, reasons for receiving antipsychotic medication, and encounters with mental health services. Design and Methods 24 semistructured qualitative research interviews with schizophrenia patients treated with 3‐monthly paliperidone palmitate across Scandinavia were synthesized in qualitative content analysis. Findings Participants describe considerable challenges in everyday functioning. Simultaneously, they rate their current mental and physical well‐being high and seem satisfied with their lives. These pathways indicate personal recovery. Practice Implications The participants emphasize the importance of trustful relations with healthcare professionals, therapeutic conversations, antipsychotic medication in a 3‐monthly formulation, and support from relatives.