Aims and method To explore service users’ experiences of receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia and the stigma associated with the diagnostic label. Seven participants were interviewed about their perceptions of these experiences. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results Five superordinate themes resulted from the analysis: (1) avoidance of the diagnosis of schizophrenia; (2) stigma and diagnostic labels; (3) lack of understanding of schizophrenia; (4) managing stigma to maintain normality; (5) being ‘schizophrenic’. These, together with their subthemes, highlighted avoidance of the term schizophrenia by participants and use of alternative terms by professionals, which limited opportunities for understanding the label and challenging associated stigma. Participants strived to maintain normality despite potential stigma.Clinical implications There is a need to address the process of giving a diagnosis as a phenomenon of consequence within its own terms. Implications relate to how professionals deliver and discuss the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Aims and method To examine the usefulness of a cognitive-behavioural therapy-based group intervention, metacognitive training for schizophrenia (MCT), in a ‘real-world’ clinical setting. In total, 164 participants completed 327 questionnaires at the end of MCT group sessions; rating the perceived usefulness, helpfulness to recovery, change in knowledge and anxiety. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyse the data.Results Participants indicated positive responses in terms of perceived usefulness, helpfulness to recovery and increased knowledge following group attendance. Significant positive correlations were found between: (a) usefulness and helpfulness to recovery, and (b) helpfulness to recovery and change in knowledge. There were significant negative correlations between: (a) usefulness and anxiety, and (b) helpfulness to recovery and anxiety.Clinical implications The results suggest that MCT is a useful and effective evidence-based psychological intervention. It supports the use of cognitive-behavioural interventions in the treatment of individuals experiencing psychosis, although further evaluation is needed.

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