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Abstract
The views on diagnosis, aetiology, management and prognosis of schizophrenia were investigated amongst a sample of post membership, or equivalent, psychiatrists. A total of 156 psychiatrists were sent a questionnaire. The results from 119 respondents indicated a diversity of thinking and clinical practice about diagnosis, aetiology and prognosis; management of schizophrenia being the only aspect with a relative consensus. This study supports the notion that the understanding of schizophrenia is largely individualistic and remains an ill-defined condition despite the recent attempts to standardise and delineate it as a diagnosable entity with defined characteristics, treatment and outcome. Emphasis is also given to the need for national quality assurance projects.