The present study was conducted in the framework of the wider international research of WHO for the revision of the ICD with regards to the understandability and relevance of the diagnostic terms of “schizophrenia”. Fifteen service users with a formal diagnosis of “schizophrenia” were recruited from an outpatient service in Athens, Greece. The results showed that most of the commonly encountered symptoms of the diagnosis were understood, but did not necessarily reflect with accuracy the lived experience of the participants. Preliminary correlations of the understandability and need for renaming with regards to socioeconomic factors emerged. Overall, the findings aim to initiate a dialogue on the understandability of diagnostic terms, the way they impact the lives of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and possible ways of re-conceptualizing medical terminology with the active involvement of service users.

The present study explored mental health professionals’ experiences of working with terminally ill patients in Greece, how they make sense of their lived experiences of working with the dying, and investigated how they relate to their personal and professional growth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five mental health professionals who work or have worked with terminally ill patients in Greece. Their responses were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The main themes that emerged were (1) Emergence of opportunities for growth and transformation; (2) Finding satisfaction and fulfillment; (3) Openly addressing the negative side of challenges; and (4) Tuning into the spiritual side. Overall, the participants emphasized the importance of the different types of relationships these experiences touched upon, and highlighted the effect of their line on work on the relationship with their patients, their relationships with significant others and coworkers, and their relationship with their own selves.

Purpose The present study was conducted in the framework of the wider international research of WHO for the revision of the ICD with regards to the understandability and relevance of the diagnostic terms of “depressive episode”. Methods Fifteen service users with a formal diagnosis of “depressive episode” were recruited from an outpatient service in Athens, Greece, and completed a questionnaire on the understandability of the diagnostic terms of “depressive episode” during a semi-structured interview. Results The results showed that most of the commonly encountered symptoms of “depressive episode” were understood, but did not necessarily reflect with accuracy the lived experience of the participants. Preliminary correlations with regards to socioeconomic and other factors emerged. Conclusion Overall, the findings aim to initiate a dialogue on the understandability of diagnostic terms, the way they impact the lives of people with a diagnosis, and possible ways of re-conceptualizing medical terminology.