title: Are lay people good at recognising the symptoms of schizophrenia?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the general public's perception of schizophrenia symptoms and the need to seek-help for symptoms. The recognition (or 'labelling') of schizophrenia symptoms, help-seeking behaviours and public awareness of schizophrenia have been suggested as potentially important factors relating to untreated psychosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were asked to rate to what extent they believe vignettes describing classic symptoms (positive and negative) of schizophrenia indicate mental illness. They were also asked if the individuals depicted in the vignettes required help or treatment and asked to suggest what kind of help or treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only three positive symptoms (i.e., Hallucinatory behaviour, Unusual thought content and Suspiciousness) of schizophrenia were reasonably well perceived (above 70%) as indicating mental illness more than the other positive or negative symptoms. Even when the participants recognised that the symptoms indicated mental illness, not everyone recommended professional help.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There may be a need to improve public awareness of schizophrenia and psychosis symptoms, particularly regarding an awareness of the importance of early intervention for psychosis.
authors.affiliation: Brunel University, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Erritty
authors.forename: Taeko N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Wydell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010465:Perception; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011639:Public Opinion; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult