ABSTRACT
Schizophrenia is the most severe of all of the mental illness, although thankfully it is not as common as other conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. Although schizophrenia clearly runs in families, the genetic basis for this condition is poorly understood. Many patients have no family history of psychosis. Other factors such as brain trauma and obstetric complications are also considered important. The prevailing view of schizophrenia is that this is a disorder (or perhaps even a collection of disorders of similar presentation) that has its origins in faulty brain development in utero. Treatment for schizophrenia needs to be comprehensive and sustained. Medications are the bedrock of treatment, but medications alone are not sufficient and patients need many supports towards their recovery. This chapter provides a current overview of our understanding of the aetiology, course and treatment of schizophrenia.
