Communicating a schizophrenia diagnosis to patients and families: a qualitative study of mental health clinicians.

Objective: The aim of this research was to explore mental health clinicians' experiences and perceptions of discussing a diagnosis of schizophrenia with their patients. The results of this research will inform a communication skills training program for psychiatry trainees.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 mental health clinicians from public mental health services in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis.

Results: Although most clinicians supported the need to give patients a named diagnosis of schizophrenia, most gave multiple reasons for not doing so in practice. The reasons given centered on concerns for the patient; they included fear of making an incorrect diagnosis, fear of the patient's distress, and harm from stigma.

Conclusions: Mental health clinicians need to reflect on their own feelings, examine personal identification with their patients, and recognize the subtle interplay of hope and pessimism in their communication of a schizophrenia diagnosis.