LAY BELIEFS ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIC DISORDER - THE RESULTS OF A POPULATION SURVEY IN GERMANY

According to Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action, normative expectations on the part of significant others influence the complian ce of schizophrenic patients. These expectations in turn are determine d for the most part by the beliefs prevailing in society regarding thi s illness and the adequate treatment thereof. Results from a represent ative study conducted in Germany after reunification in 1990 demonstra te the disagreement on essential issues between lay beliefs and psychi atric teaching. Compared with experts in psychiatry, the lay public at taches great importance to current psychosocial influences for the aet iology of schizophrenic disorder. It prefers psychological methods of treatment, maintaining a reserved stance with regard to treatment with psychotropic drugs. Negative consequences for compliance with the lat ter on the part of the patients are to be expected as a result.