Results of Life in Recovery

 If you’d like to improve your health you might stop smoking, but if you want to transform your life you need to adjust your thinking (mental inclination, attitude, and power of reason). This type of transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It comes about through phases. While the mental health system, services and supports, are transforming, this type of system-wide change will take time. SAMSHA (2012) has supplied consumers, families, and mental health professionals with four dimensions to support recovery, ten guiding principles of recovery, and a current working definition of recovery; which is, “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” Therefore, when individuals go through the process of change the positive benefits that they experience to their mental, physical, and social health is their recovery. In this current review of the literature, 103 sources were reviewed for information on recovery systems for individuals with a neurobiological disorder.

            First, the analysis revealed that there is not adequate funding for individuals with a neurobiological disorder. The United States spends $113 billion on mental health treatment (6% of their health care costs), but the indirect cost (loss of productivity) of mental illnesses is estimated to be $79 billion. Individuals with a neurobiological disorder need employment and income to support themselves. If mental health outcomes can be improved, then there is a possibility that the loss of productivity will decrease. There are many gaps in between mental health care needs and actual services that are delivered; as a result, most communities lack sufficient infrastructure, adequate facilities, and trained professionals to provide care to individuals with a neurobiological disorder. It is possible to measure recovery and justify an increase in financial resources; thereby, making it possible to improve the infrastructure, provide adequate facilities and trained mental health professionals.

            Research indicates that early identification and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with a neurobiological diagnosis. It will take strong leadership to develop and sustain a successful mental health system. While there has been legislation changes to increase access to community-based mental health services, it will take time and perseverance to see these changes implement. Once the changes have been implemented, then it will be possible to measure the effectiveness of the changes. If the changes help to remove some of the barriers to mental health care, then studies show that the policies will enhance the health and wellness for individuals with a neurobiological disorder and impact the community by providing a healthier environment. In the meantime, it important for researchers to continue to study the mental health care system, and to offer quality improvement mechanisms to improve treatment access and retention.

            Second, the United States needs to increase education and training for individuals with a neurobiological disorder. Neurobiological disorders are legitimate medical illnesses, like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and so on so forth. Research shows that there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders; hence, the use of the term neurobiological disorders in this paper. Neurobiological disorders can be treated effectively. The recovery model has multiple facets and it is a nonlinear process; therefore, it would benefit consumers and families to know about the service options that are available at each stage, so that they can have a meaningful share in the opportunities available to them. By providing education and training to the consumer on their specific diagnosis it provides them with the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills. However, recovery involves more than treating the diagnosis and symptoms because it is a multifaceted process that takes time.

            In order to attract the two-thirds of people with neurobiological symptoms that don’t seek care, the United States needs to remove common barriers that hinder people from seeking treatment. For instance, there are mountains of rules and regulations that consumers have to climb through to receive mental health services, because the mental health care system is not designed to be user friendly. The United States needs to increase recovery model education and training for mental health professionals, so they use the components of recovery to empower individuals with a neurobiological disorder to learn about their diagnosis, the system, resources, and to advocate for themselves. Most professionals have been introduced to recovery concepts and principles through federal program requirements or their agency’s administration policy; as a result, they should be held accountable when they do not promote recovery and follow the evidence based practices set forth by SAMSHA.

            Third, the United States needs to reduce the stigma and fear that surrounds a neurobiological disorder. Reducing stigma and improving mental health knowledge have the potential to enhance the mental health outcomes for individuals with a neurobiological disorder. By creating anti-stigma ads, it is possible to dispel inaccurate stereotypes and discourage the spread of myths, so that the public has a balanced view about mental health and treatment.

             There are shortcomings to this study; for instance, there are criticisms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that were not discussed (his theory is difficult to test scientifically), and the effects of medication on individuals with a neurobiological disorder were not looked at. There is limited research on the implementation and outcomes of recovery-oriented services and the mental health systems, since the changes in legislation and the SAMSHA working definition of recovery was released. More scientific research is needed to confirm or deny the changes to the quality of life for individuals; as well as, the long term effects to the individual, family, and community.

Conclusion

            In closing, neurobiological disorders are common all over the world. They can affect any person of any age, race, or socioeconomic status. While some obstacles have been removed from the mental health care system, there are still obstacles and challenges that are impeding the systems development, like the inadequate facilities and workforce. The components of recovery help to empower individuals with a neurobiological disorder to learn about their diagnosis, the system, resources, and to advocate for themselves. Since, it is estimated that approximately twenty-six percent of Americans, 57.7 million people or one in four adults, age 18 and older, suffer from a diagnosable neurological disorder in a given year it is important to continue understanding and researching all facets of neurobiological disorders.

            It is clear that much more research is needed; for example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will need to be evaluated to determine the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of the policy, after the policy has rolled out and some time is allotted for people to utilize the services; the Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) model will need to be evaluated to determine the effectiveness (benefits) to the individual, the family, and the community; the ROSC model will need to be evaluated to determine the cost-effectiveness; and there is minimal research on the use and benefit of alternative medicine, just to name a few.