__smbhome.uscs.susx.ac.uk_ellenaj_Desktop_SRO_after august_Gee et al. Lived Experiences of Negative Symptoms in First-Episode Psychosis (Accepted Version) (3).pdf (350.2 kB)
Lived experiences of negative symptoms in first-episode psychosis: a qualitative secondary analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 12:25 authored by Brioney Gee, Jo Hodgekins, Anna Lavis, Caitlin Notley, Max Birchwood, Linda Everard, Nick Freemantle, Peter B Jones, Swaran P Singh, Tim Amos, Max Marshall, Vimal Sharma, Jo Smith, David FowlerDavid FowlerAim: Exploring how negative symptoms are experienced and understood by individuals with lived experience of psychosis has the potential to offer insights into the complex psychosocial processes underlying negative symptom presentations. The aim of the current study was to investigate lived experiences of negative symptoms through secondary analysis of interviews conducted with individuals recovering from first-episode psychosis. Method: Transcripts of in-depth interviews with participants (n = 24) recruited from Early Intervention in Psychosis services were analysed thematically with a focus on participants’ experiences and personal understandings of features corresponding to the negative symptoms construct. Results: Descriptions of reductions in expression, motivation and sociability were common features of participants’ accounts. Several participants described the experience of having difficulty interacting as like being a ‘zombie’. Some participants experienced diminished capacity for emotion, thought or drive as underlying these experiences. However, participants typically attributed reductions in expression, motivation and sociability to medication side-effects, lack of confidence or active avoidance intended to protect them from rejection or ridicule, sometimes linked to internalised stigma. Conclusions: Personal accounts of experiences of reduced expression, motivation and sociability during first-episode psychosis highlight the personal meaningfulness and role of agency is these features, challenging the framing of negative symptoms as passive manifestations of diminished capacity.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Early Intervention in PsychiatryISSN
1751-7885Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Department affiliated with
- Politics Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-03-08First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-03-24First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-03-07Usage metrics
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