Views of persons with schizophrenia on their own disorder: an Italian participatory study.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored the views of 241 patients with schizophrenia about their own disorder.


METHODS
Patients' knowledge of their diagnosis, confidence that they will be well again, and perception of limitations in their own life as a result of the disorder were explored in relation to patients' opinions about the social consequences of schizophrenia. Study results were presented to participants, and suggestions were collected regarding how these study results should be used.


RESULTS
Seventy-two respondents (30%) reported that a psychiatrist told them that they have schizophrenia. Respondents who were confident that they would be well again had a lower duration of contact with psychiatric services and a less pronounced perception of affective and social difficulties related to schizophrenia. Respondents who did not feel limited in their life by the disorder reported less social distance and more optimism about the usefulness of treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Participatory studies may provide ideas for a more constructive interaction between patients and professionals.
Magliano
Lorenza
L
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Naples, Italy. lorenza.magliano@unina2.it
Fiorillo
Andrea
A
Malangone
Claudio
C
Del Vecchio
Heidegret
H
Maj
Mario
M
D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires