Diagnosing schizophrenia in 1980: a survey of U.S. psychiatrists

Am J Psychiatry. 1983 Jan;140(1):52-5. doi: 10.1176/ajp.140.1.52.

Abstract

The authors mailed 1,227 questionnaires to U.S. psychiatrists at the time of the introduction of DSM-III to ascertain their diagnostic approach to schizophrenia; 25% (N = 301) of the questionnaires were returned. Only 4 symptom categories reached a 50% accordance level, and there was little agreement on combinations of signs or symptoms, including that recommended by DSM-III. A cluster analysis showed some overall patterns: younger respondents and those from the Pacific coast tended to diagnose more closely to DSM-III; older respondents gave more individualistic responses. The authors express concern that research separating schizophrenia from other disorders that are far more effectively treated has not had a substantial effect on the diagnostic practices of U.S. psychiatrists.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manuals as Topic
  • Psychiatry
  • Schizophrenia / classification
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States