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.Abstract Teaser