Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating disease of the brain that affects approximately 1 percent of the population worldwide. This psychotic disorder causes severe mental disturbances that disrupt thought patterns, speech, and regular daily activities of life. Those with schizophrenia can exhibit odd or disturbing behaviors. The disorder can be devastating to those who suffer from it, as well as frightening and exhausting for their families. However, recent research on the causes of schizophrenia, its diagnosis, and the effectiveness of different treatments provides a more hopeful outlook for those affected. Schizophrenia, Second Edition describes the symptoms of this disease and the impact it has on patients and their loved ones. It also examines how scientific studies seek to untangle the multiple causes of schizophrenia and reviews research on how well drug and nondrug treatments work for schizophrenia patients.