A comparison of patient ratings and staff ratings of disability using the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule in individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders who are forensic psychiatric inpatients.

Our mean WHODAS score findings echoed those in other patient samples-of patient underestimation of disability, linked to severity of symptoms. In this study using the WHODAS for the first time in a forensic mental health secure inpatient service, however, we found that, by comparing individuals, half of the patients reported equivalent or greater disability than did staff. Future research should focus on elucidating from patients what contributes to their self-ratings. Understanding their thought processes in rating may enhance rehabilitation planning.