Aetiology of depression and schizophrenia: current views of British psychiatrists

AIMS AND METHOD A postal survey assessed current views of a random sample of 154 British psychiatrists on aetiological factors in depression and schizophrenia. RESULTS Genetics, biochemical abnormalities and substance misuse were considered important factors in both illnesses. Beyond that, psychiatrists varied widely in their views. Depressionwas viewed as amore multifactorial condition with psychological/social factors more important, whereas biological factors were considered more important in schizophrenia. Aetiological factors were thought to vary more in depression than in schizophrenia and discussing them was seen as more important in patients with depression. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Psychiatrists'attitudes are likely to influence treatment. Patients may encounter different views depending on their illness and on the particular psychiatrist's views.