According to Fishbein & Ajzen's theory of reasoned action, normative expectations on the part of significant others influence the compliance of schizophrenic patients. These expectations in turn are determined for the most part by the beliefs prevailing in society regarding this illness and the adequate treatment thereof. Results from a representative study conducted in Germany after reunification in 1990 demonstrate the disagreement on essential issues between lay beliefs and psychiatric teaching. Compared with experts in psychiatry, the lay public attaches great importance to current psychosocial influences for the aetiology of schizophrenic disorder. It prefers psychological methods of treatment, maintaining a reserved stance with regard to treatment with psychotropic drugs. Negative consequences for compliance with the latter on the part of the patients are to be expected as a result.