Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease that often results in significant distress and devastating disability. Its clinical presentation includes delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior and speech, and negative symptoms, although virtually every function associated with the central nervous system is affected in some regard. Despite decades of empirical attention, we have a limited understanding of its origin and mechanisms. At present, clinical symptoms are modestly tractable; however, cognitive, emotional, and motivational dysfunctions persist throughout the course of the illness. In this chapter, we highlight recent efforts to understanding, assessing, and treating these “residual” symptoms within the disorder.