Many patients with schizophrenia show major difficulties in performing basic social roles. Occupational and social functioning (and independent living) are considered domains of functioning. Improvement in functioning is recognized as an important aim in treatment guidelines and as an outcome by regulatory agencies.

The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) functioning survey canvassed opinions of psychiatrists (and neurologists with psychiatric backgrounds in Germany) across the region.

To ascertain psychiatrists' perceptions of the clinical importance, assessment and management of functioning amongst their patients with schizophrenia.

The survey comprised 17 questions and was conducted from March-April 2011, in 39 EMEA countries. Respondents' demographics and their opinions regarding personal and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia were collected.

Results were obtained from 3610 clinicians. Psychiatrists reported that they perceived more than two in three of their patients show impaired/very poor levels of functioning. 91% believed that personal and social functioning was an important treatment goal for patients with schizophrenia and 90% believed it was an important goal for patients' families. The majority of psychiatrists assess the personal and social functioning of their patient at each visit but 81% determine the level of functioning through clinical interview. To manage personal and social functioning in their patients, 26% of psychiatrists prefer pharmacological interventions while 47% prefer psychosocial interventions.

Although psychiatrists recognize that functioning is impaired/very poor in patients with schizophrenia, there is still a need to address it as a main treatment goal for patients with schizophrenia.