S&PAA commissioned a study to determine whether reclassification of schizophrenia from a behavioral to a physical/neurodevelopmental disease would result in better care for people with schizophrenia. The study concluded that it would have minimal impact on treatment outcomes for people with schizophrenia, but did suggest that reclassification could improve understanding of the disease and reduce stigma.

S&PAA has petitioned the World Health Organization to update its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) to recognize the high prevalence and devastating impact of anosognosia, a schizophrenia symptom that is the most common barrier to treatment. An estimated 57% to 98% of people living with schizophrenia experience anosognosia, a neurological symptom that prevents people with schizophrenia from understanding they have it. It is the most common barrier to a person’s seeking what can be lifesaving medical care.

Our proposal to the WHO is designed to: