MACHADO, Márcio Pinheiro    PEREIRA, Maria Alice Ornellas. Perception of mental illness by health professionals: possibility of broadening mental care. []. , 13, 1, pp.125-138. ISSN 1808-4281.

This study approached perceptions of mental illness by nineteen professionals who work in a Family Health Unit, by means of graphic representations (drawings). We used qualitative methods. Data was collected by means of a Presentative-Expressive Procedure. Four themes were identified using Thematic Analysis. The professionals associate mental disorders with: health care, medical-centered view, exclusion/inclusion, social environment. These perceptions are related to a biological paradigm, favoring the reproduction of prejudices about mental illness. The analysis also emphasizes the importance of a wide range of cares, while considering how difficult it may be for the professionals. We conclude that it is necessary to invest on professional preparation, in an attempt to transform ideoaffective contents presented by the subjects' imaginary.

: Psychosocial rehabilitation; Drawings; Mentally Ill persons; Patient care team; Family health.

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