La presente es una investigación de nivel descriptivo que explora la experiencia de la enferme-dad en quince pacientes esquizofrénicos desde su propia perspectiva mediante una entrevista semiestructurada. Los testimonios más significativos fueron la atribución de la enfermedad a la falta de orientación por parte de los padres; la percepción de dificultades en las capacidades de aprendizaje y atención desde la etapa escolar, y las conflictivas y escasas relaciones interperso-nales. El tener una ocupación, la ayuda psicológica y el gozar de tranquilidad fueron señalados como aspectos que contribuirían a una mejoría. Sentimientos como el miedo, la depresión, la intranquilidad, entre otros son aspectos inherentes a la vivencia de la enfermedad y creemos que prestarles atención ayuda a comprender mejor la experiencia de la esquizofrenia.

This descriptive investigation explores experimentation of the disease in 15 schizophrenic patients from the perspective of the patients themselves through semistructured interviews. The most significan! testimonies were the attribution of the disease to a lack of orientation from the parents, the perception of difficulties in learning and attention abilities in class and the scarce and conflictive interpersonal relationships. Having an occupation, psychological support and stability in their Ji ves were mentioned as aspects that contribute to significan! improvement. Feelings like fear, depression, lack of peace among others are inherent aspects of the disease. In our opinion listening to the patient helps to better understand the experiencing of schizophrenia.

This descriptive investigation explores experimentation of the disease in 15 schizophrenic patients from the perspective of the patients themselves through semistructured interviews. The most significan! testimonies were the attribution of the disease to a lack of orientation from the parents, the perception of difficulties in learning and attention abilities in class and the scarce and conflictive interpersonal relationships. Having an occupation, psychological support and stability in their Ji ves were mentioned as aspects that contribute to significan! improvement. Feelings like fear, depression, lack of peace among others are inherent aspects of the disease. In our opinion listening to the patient helps to better understand the experiencing of schizophrenia.