We do agree with the need to remove negative stigma associated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Because the prominent characteristics of schizophrenia are atypical thinking, feeling, and behavior (eg, delusions and hallucinations or other atypical behavior features) associated with personal or social distress (which could be related to risk-behaviour issues), with resulting degree of compromised adaptive functioning (eg, being able to engage in a productive day routine, work, self-care, etc), and the need for some degree of therapeutic support, why not, then, consider labelling schizophrenia as “atypical thinking psychosis” We propose a schematic diagram of atypical thinking psychosis (appendix).

In this conceptualisation, schizophrenia can be characterised by atypical thinking with varied extent of psychosis, suggesting different levels of recovery on the six dimensions of psychosis with ratings on three levels of mild, moderate, and severely pervasive and persistent. Success of biological and psychosocial interventions can be measured on specific dimension ratings, suggesting different positive outcomes that people with schizophrenia can exhibit to a varying degree, thus acknowledging positive outcomes on some specific areas of functioning, and encouraging further clinical assessment for improved outcomes in other areas. The model, we believe, will also promote more targeted research into outcomes for different psychosis dimensions for schizophrenia. We welcome comments and consideration of this proposed model.