[Schizophrenia and the ability to drive].
Based on the files of the Zurich Forensic Medicine Institute, the driving ability of 100 clinically and diagnostically proven schizophrenic cases was studied with the aid of case histories, police and traffic records and personal statements. The data obtained were compared with a healthy control group of equal age and sex. The schizophrenics showed significantly inferior driving performance to the control group over a six-year observation period. The schizophrenics could be divided into sub-groups whose performances varied significantly. The basic character of the patients and the type and degree of delusions had an important bearing on their driving records. The results were especially unfavorable in those with religious type delusions, but favorable in those with a cautious, anxious character. The driving ability test should be administered by an experienced medical expert. Besides investigation of the actual sickness, the basic character and the total personality of the patient should always be considered.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012559:Schizophrenia
Schizophrenie und Fahrtauglichkeit.