The Schizophrenic Experience

Three to 7 years after discharge 32 former schizophrenic patients were studied to assess their attitude toward their own psychosis. These assessments were correlated with several measurements of the subjects' post-hospital adjustment. Attitudes which were measured included positive and negative attitudes toward the illness itself; how well the subject integrated his illness with the rest of his life; and the importance given to causes within the individual, the family, or external events in causing the illness. The subject's estimation of the value of personal insight in solving his ongoing problems was also determined. Posthospital function was assessed by four measures: number of rehospitalizations; a brief follow-up rating based upon work, family life, social life, and rchospitalization; and the KAS 1 and KAS 2 forms of the Katz Adjustment Scale. Compared to a negative, isolating attitude, a positive, integrating attitude toward the illness was found to be correlated significantly with higher scores on the brief follow-up rating, higher levels of performance of socially expected activities (KAS 2), and lower levels of symptom discomfort (KAS 1). No significant correlations were found between any of the specific proposed causes for the illness and posthospital adjustment. Former schizophrenic patients who valued personal insight in the solution of their personal problems had significantly higher levels of posthospital adjustment on several of the scales than those who did not.