[What's positive about positive symptoms?]

To develop a positive concept of schizophrenia despite the mostly negative image in the public.

Review of the literature concerning attitudes of psychiatrists towards schizophrenia and concerning the importance of hope for the course of the illness. Proposal of some approaches which might help to attain a more optimistic concept of schizophrenia and a better understanding of the patients' problems by the public.

Psychiatrists often hold as negative an attitude towards schizophrenic patients as the general population. Hope or resignation can influence the course of the disease. The course of schizophrenia is more often favorable than assumed, with a quarter to almost half of patients recovering in the long run. Ideas fostering acceptance and understanding are the concept of schizophrenia as a spectrum disorder and schizophrenia as a disorder of information processing. Finally schizophrenia is a highly treatable illness with many options for treatment not fully used until now.

Especially psychiatrist should strive for a positive concept of schizophrenia.