Schneider's diagnostic system of first-rank symptoms (FRS) is
acknowledged by psychiatrists throughout the world as a decisive basis for
the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Recently, the author's and others' works
have challenged this view. This report examines the relationship between
FRS, psychotic symptoms, prognosis, and outcome at the postacute stage. The
assessment of FRS was made from an interview schedule (a modification of
the Wing Present State Examination) developed for the systematic assessment
of psychotic symptoms. The results question the utility of FRS as a primary
diagnostic approach to schizophrenia, suggesting that Schneider's system
may not be superior to other diagnostic approaches.Abstract Teaser