title: Understanding of the term "schizophrenia"by the British public.
abstract: A postal survey of a representative sample of UK adults was conducted. Subjects were asked "What do you understand by the term 'schizophrenia'?".Four hundred four completed questionnaires were received (81% response rate). Forty-two percent of respondents mentionedat least one first rank symptom of schizophrenia or gave a description that reasonably approximated to any diagnostic feature as stated inICD-10. Forty percent mentioned "split" or "multiple" personality. Thirty-eight percent described auditory hallucinations or "hearing voices".Fifteen percent mentioned "delusions" or described passivity experiences. Only 6% of subjects mentioned violence in their descriptions.
authors.affiliation: The Taylor Centre, Queensway House, Essex Street, Southend on Sea, Essex SS4 1RB, UK.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Luty
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fekadu
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dhandayudham