First rank symptoms and diagnosis of schizophrenia in developing countries.

Schneider's first rank symptoms (FRS) among schizophrenics in Karachi are compared with samples from Saudi Arabia and the UK. Although the incidence of one or more FRS were very close to Saudi Arabia, the individual FRS were different, and somatic passivity was similar to the UK. It is concluded that cultural factors are more important than religious affinity in determining symptomatology. The results could be due to selection of schizophrenic patients on Western parameters. The place of FRS in developing countries and the changing concept of schizophrenia is discussed.