During the past 25 years psychiatry has increased its understanding of
the social context of schizophrenia in four major areas. Reasonable
reliability can now be achieved in describing and recognizing many of the
acute and chronic syndromes, so that comparability can be achieved between
different research teams. Much is now known about the proximate social
causes of symptoms and disabilities. The relationship between social and
pharmacological treatments is now better understood. A more rational
approach to the planning and prescription of services and to the counseling
of patients and relatives can be made. Each of these lines of advance
promises to lead to further progress in the future.
Abstract Teaser