Objectives:
The aim of the study is to investigate the significance of psychiatrists’ personal variables in treatment and functioning of persons suffering from schizophrenia.

Methods:
150 patients with schizophrenia indicated by 30 psychiatrists were included in the study. Data was collected during single interview with the use of Dyadic Questionnaire of the Therapist-Patient Relationship, Questionnaire of Pharmacological Treatment Assessment, Life Satisfaction Scale, Emotion Control Scale, Life Orientation Test, Overall Self-Efficacy Scale, Social Functioning Scale and Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Stepwise regression was used to determine the psychiatrist’s related variables which explain variables associated with a patient.

Results:
Psychiatrists’ personal variables explained up to 20% of variance in social functioning of the patients with schizophrenia. Variables describing psychiatrists were most significant in explaining assessment of psychiatrist’s professionalism and rejection of a psychiatrist by a patient. The abilities to identify medication symptoms and adherence to pharmacotherapy were only slightly explained by patient – psychiatrist collaboration length.

Conclusions:
Results indicate that psychiatrists’ personal characteristics are significant for the development of the relationship between persons with schizophrenia and their psychiatrists.