How are psychotic symptoms perceived? A comparison between patients, relatives and the general public

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare patients with schizophrenia with their relatives and the general public in their attitudes towards schizophrenic psychotic symptoms. METHOD: We used a case vignette depicting a person with typical schizophrenic psychotic symptoms and compared the attitudes of 44 inpatients and 47 outpatients with schizophrenia, 48 of their relatives and 43 members of the general public. We also compared the attitudes of patients with schizophrenia to their own symptoms and the symptoms described in the vignette. RESULTS: Subjects from the general public tended not to recognise psychotic symptoms as features of mental illness and tended not to consider drug treatment and hospitalisation as required. Sex, education level as well as previous contact with the mentally ill were found to be significant determinants of attitude. The levels of symptom awareness in patients with schizophrenia and their relatives are higher but still relatively low. In addition, we found that patients with schizophrenia who correctly appraised psychotic symptoms in another person were also aware of their own mental symptoms and need of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The level of recognition of psychotic symptoms and awareness of a need for treatment are low in the general public, as well as in patients with schizophrenia and their relatives. These findings are discussed in relation to the assessment of insight in patients and a need for psychoeducational programs for each group.