A CASE FOR CHANGING THE WAY SCHIZOPHRENIA IS CONCEPTUALIZED, USING A QUESTIONNAIRE TO RELATIVES

In view of dissatisfaction among philosophers and many doctors with th e DSM III criteria for schizophrenia a new conceptualisation is needed . Recent research results showing the complex influences on the develo pment and functions of the brain suggest that the primary problem is a reduced capacity for information processing and not the more obvious symptoms of acute episodes. An analysis of a questionnaire to relative s (members of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship) has been used to illustrate how data from relatives can provide useful indicators of so me of the factors such as possible metabolic abnormalities and immune system deficiencies which may contribute to this problem. It is sugges ted that a broad data-base is needed to study such contributary factor s and point the way to forms of treatment which might make lower level s of maintenance neuroleptic medication possible.