Mental illness in the view of psychotic individuals: their lines and graphic representations

Abstract

Objective: Knowing the meanings of mental illness for individuals with psychotic disorders, hospitalized in a general hospital. Methods: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Five people formed the sample. It Was used a semistructured interview and graphical representation in order to obtain the information. The Data was sent to content analysis, of thematic type. Results: The surveyed was reported to mental illness, as: a result of divine punishments and witchcraft; a reality charged with suffering and difficulties, the result of losses and experiences from childhood, something difficult to explain, laden with stigma, misunderstanding, distrust and disqualification; presence of symptoms; limiting daily activities and disabling for work. Conclusion: We conclude that there is need for interventions that go beyond the reduction and control of symptoms, directing a look at the relationship of mental patient with family, work and the community.