The British Approach to Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Pat Corrigan’s research and writing has had a valuable influence on many of us in the UK, so it is particularly appropriate that we try and reciprocate by presenting the first ever UK issue of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills. The papers that follow cover much of the spectrum of psychiatric rehabilitation practice, from assessment to outcome evaluation. They are written by leading British figures in the field, and highlight the interplay of research and practice in our country. These authors are also drawn from different disciplines, and span the academic clinical range. In short, this Special Issue affords a broad and balanced account of current psychiatric rehabilitation research and practice in the UK. The nine papers that follow are organized broadly in keeping with the main steps in carrying out psychiatric rehabilitation; namely assessment, intervention, relapse prevention, and evaluation. The first paper, by Max Birchwood from Birmingham, and Andrea Fiorillo from Naples, outlines the concept of a “critical period.” They note that assessment of the early signs of a psychosis can lead to particularly successful interventions. Evidence for this proposition is reviewed, before closing with an outline of a typical intervention during the critical period. Next, David Fowler from Nonvich emphasizes the need to commence assessment by building a therapeutic alliance, prior to structured interviewing. He summarizes key ideas and findings concerning the development and maintenance of delusions and voices, then spells out the implications for intervention. In particular, Fowler stresses that the development of a trusting and collaborative therapist-client relationship is the “foundation stone”