The social disadvantages for schizophrenic patients in terms of unemployment, impaired relationships, social isolation and downward social drift have been well described (Cooper, 1961; Goldberg & Morrison, 1963; Cheadle et al, 1978; Taylor, 1987). The problems experienced by their caring relatives have been shown to be substantial (Stevens, 1972; National Schizophrenia Fellowship, 1979; Creer et al, 1982). It is important to examine these issues in a large representative sample, and for this reason the social outcome in the 532 patients who form the subjects of the Harrow study of the disabilities and circumstances of schizophrenic patients was examined in some detail.