This is a concise, authoritative review of what is important in the understanding and management of the distressing condition of schizophrenia. Although schizophrenia has been recognized for 100 years, our knowledge of its cause, and thus our approach to its treatment, has been limited. Today, thanks, largely to new genetic and brain imaging techniques, our understanding of the symptoms and cognitive deficits is increasing, so illuminating the underlying causes of schizophrenia. New drug and non-drug treatments are becoming avilable, allowing the first real advances in treatment in 30 years.