Comparative Study of Causal Explanatory Models of Schizophrenia: Mental Health Specialists and Non-Experts in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction. Studies on intuitive theories of mental disorders, particularly causal models underlying specific disorders, have shown variations attributed to professional and cultural contexts. These intuitive theories are framed in at least three domains: medical-biological, psychosocial and sociocultural. Objective. This study aims to identify the domains in which causal models of schizophrenia are framed in different specialists on mental health -psychologists, psychiatrists, psychoanalysts-, and non-experts. Method. A cause-by-cause questionnaire was used to explore the attributed causes of schizophrenia and their associations. Causal network analysis identified structures and patterns among the groups. Results. Significant variations were found in causal models among specialists and in laypersons' conceptions of schizophrenia. Discussion. The analysis revealed consistent patterns of domain variation among mental health specialists and non-experts, aligning with previous research on causal models of mental disorders.