Biomedical Model

In discussing the implications of a recovery model on service users/survivors and mental health services, it is essential to define recovery. In illustrating the controversial nature of this concept it is pragmatic to discuss service users and workers in mental health because implications of the recovery model affect both, but in different ways. It is important to realize there is a division in the focus of each group; service users generally want independence from services while health care providers focus on methods and models (Bonney & Stickley, 2008). In working together both groups can improve the provision of recovery services.

The participants of The National Summit on Recovery hope that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) will use the 12 principles as a “shared language” to develop core measures and evidence based practices. The principles of recovery are defined as holistic, having cultural dimensions, self-directed and empowering, supported by peers and allies, reality, and involves joining and building a life in the community.

Mental health is a complex phenomenon that consists of a range of diagnoses, treatments and outcomes. Recovery from such experiences has historically meant to completely remove all symptoms of illness, but is now currently thought of as regaining a sense of control over and development of a new meaning and purpose in one’s life, rather than feeling defined by the illness. Each individual understands it in their own personal way, likened to a journey towards self-determination, choice, and empowerment.

In mental health the concept of recovery is a contrast to the medical context to which we are accustomed to. Individuals experiencing mental illnesses have expressed recovery to be “elusive, not perfectly linear… erratic, we flatter, slide back and regroup…establish a sense of integrity and purpose” (Roads to recovery, n.d.), which reflects

Arthur Kelinman developed the explanatory model of illness which incorporates a series of questions that is unique to a patient’s illness to develop a treatment plan. This model assesses how patient illnesses are associated with the environment and the culture around them, while also “seeking the how, why, what, when, where, and what next of illness, disease, and health experience” (“Explanatory Model”). Asking the patient what is their opinion on what caused their illness and how they believe it should be treated will help identify their beliefs and help when planning an intervention.

The recovery model is a tool that is used to help a client live their lives through the best of their abilities. By working with a therapist using the recovery model, goals are made by both the client and the therapist based upon what the client would like to achieve. This allows for clients to take control of their own lives and allows for the client to know that they have different options that they can choose. Clients are better able to come up with goals and the outcome that they desire to see in their everyday life by giving the client a sense of hope, support, and purpose.

Regarding the treatment of mental illness, there are two effective forms that have caused considerable debates in the field of psychology: the medical and the recovery models. While there are significant differences between these two models, they are both effective when used concurrently. The efficacy of the medical model alone is diminishing as it focuses too narrowly on treatment goals, and may ignore the needs of the client. On the other hand, the recovery model focuses on the client and allows them to take control of their treatment and rehabilitation, which helps promote positive change. Recovery is often seen as a lifelong journey that requires the client to be wholly involved in the recovery process. This is why the recovery model values

It focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the illness, however, in its most narrow form can sometimes fail to address some other important influences on health and wellbeing. The medical model is concerned with the pursuit of cures for the disease.

However, the aim of a recovery-oriented practice is to support individuals, to build a meaningful, satisfying life and a personal identity, whether or not there are symptoms of a mental illness. (Department of health, 2011).

Most people who have mental health problems experience symptoms, and gradually recover. They may pick Up where they left off, or head in a new direction in life. Everybody’s experience of mental ill health is Different and everybody’s recovery is therefore individual. For a minority of people, the symptoms of their mental health problem might lead them to act

As a result, the framework of recovery verifies the new progress of procedures through a significant collaboration with consumer participation in health services and ensure the health services delivery was efficient, rightful and accessible for all people (Haskell et.al 2016). Consequently, the people’s need who use the mental health services has significant priorities rather than the organization. Cleary et.al (2013), state that the process of recovery concept defined as a transforming social and personal development, the positive attitude, values, feeling, objectives and skills. The conceptual model of recovery processes identifies the level of violence risks, self-harm and discrimination in people with mental conditions to reduce the development of stress, physical health problems, and effects on cognition and social behaviour (Fleischhacker et.al 2014). Thus, that is challenges for nursing practice to support and care professions the person with mental issues through a long-term treatment (Kidd, Kenny & Mckinstry 2014).

In 1995 Mickey Mantle received a liver transplant due to a failing liver caused by hepatitis and cirrhosis. He was a Baseball Hall of Fame center fielder for the New York Yankees. Even though the usual waiting period for a liver transplant in the United States is about 130 days, Mickey Mantle only had to wait two for the hospital to find an organ donor for him.

‘Recovery from a mental health problem can be understood either as an outcome or as a process.’ Also known as ‘clinical recovery’ an outcome is present depends on whether the symptoms/problems are present or absent (Serafín Lemos-Giráldez 2015). Usually involving a reduction or absence of symptoms and a significant improvement in occupational and social functioning, an outcome does not change from person to person. On the other hand, individuals who go through a process in order to live a joyful and fulfilling life, experience personal recovery. (Serafín Lemos-Giráldez 2015). This form of recovery involves learning to become self-managing of one’s illness, whether recurring symptoms are at that point in time present and working towards a self-caring, independent and fulfilling life. The definition of a satisfying like varies from one individual to the next. This is why each consumer’s recovery journey is personal and tailored to fit their goals and beliefs (Serafín Lemos-Giráldez 2015).

Cook, J. A., Russell, C., Grey, D. D., & Jonikas, J. A. (2008). Economic Grand Rounds: A Self-Directed Care Model for Mental Health Recovery. Psychiatric Services, 59(6), 600–602. doi:10.1176/ps.2008.59.6.600

The medical model is a term in psychology, this indicates the assumption that abnormal behavior is as a result of physical problems and should be treated medically. Sometimes, this is very true, for example, someone with a traumatic brain injury.