Bleuler, Schneider and schizophrenia.

Abstract

Three important elements in Bleuler's work are described and criticized: the fundamental-accessory dichotomy, the primary-secondary dichotomy, and question of diagnosis. The major influences on Schneider's thinking are outlined and his general approach to psychopathology, criteria for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, and approach to clinical evaluation are described. The work of Mayer-Gross and Langfeldt, whose diagnostic formulations integrate the thinking of Bleuler and Schneider is briefly described. Finally, the contributions of these 4 authors are compared and contrasted, and their respective impact on the current study of schizophrenia is assessed.