ABSTRACT
The UK Government has produced many documents that discuss relapse prevention (RP) in the treatment of those with a serious and enduring mental illness. Relapse prevention strategies were developed as powerful tools that can be used by the individual and family to break down such barriers and inspire society. In lapse and relapse prevention, individuals, families and professionals work in partnership to determine the achievements of person-centred goals. Relapse prevention programmes target the individual and family and aim to reduce readmissions. Small changes may be noticed early and if invited to be part of the relapse prevention plan, could inform the family and care coordinators of possible concerns and dilemmas needing careful follow-up. However, there is little evidence that describes a well-developed and tested model of relapse prevention for the field of mental health. RP was designed to remove the traditional stereotypes associated with mental health treatment, as it is a model that can be applied to lifestyle issues.
