ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author first tries to justify his belief in the importance of explaining the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia in terms of cognitive processes. He considers some of the major practical problems confronting anyone attempting to develop a neuropsychology of schizophrenia. The author presents an approach to develop as complete as possible an explanation at the psychological level. Both explanations should be continuously modified so that mapping from one to the other is made easier. By searching for commonalities between the two domains, what people know about physiology will influence their explanation at the psychological level and vice versa. It is important to consider whether it is possible to have animal models relevant to the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. The vast majority of schizophrenic patients are being treated, fairly vigorously, with drugs. A similar problem concerns institutionalisation. In principle the problem posed by drug treatment and institutionalisation can be solved by choosing the right control group.
