There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the causes, diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia with the consequence that a huge amount of research is carried out in the field by psychiatrists, psychologists, neuroscientists and pharmacologists. Schizophrenia is an essential reference for psychiatrists in training and practice. The second edition of this highly successful book provides a factual account of current knowledge, evidence for its diagnostic validity and treatment and a summary of the diseases pathophysiology. Reference to the latest brain imaging techniques and conceptualisation drawn from cognitive neuroscience will be provided where these are relevant, as will the description of newer anti-psychotic agents. Several new chapters have been included in this edition including one of the patients perspective written by a former patient.