The generalisation of patients in to this category also encourages over-use of medication, rather than psychological treatment, and stigmatises patients as being violent, dangerous and untreatable.
Schizophrenia encompasses a complex disorder, with symptoms which differ from patient to patient. Professor Richard Bentall at the University of Manchester told the BBC: ‘The concept of schizophrenia is scientifically meaningless.’
However, other experts warn that the term should still be used until other means of classifying patients have been put in place. Although the classification may need improving, a diagnosis of schizophrenia enables patients to secure appropriate treatment.
Schizophrenia encompasses a complex disorder, with symptoms which differ from patient to patient. Professor Richard Bentall at the University of Manchester told the BBC: ‘The concept of schizophrenia is scientifically meaningless.’
However, other experts warn that the term should still be used until other means of classifying patients have been put in place. Although the classification may need improving, a diagnosis of schizophrenia enables patients to secure appropriate treatment.
