- The topics covered in the six sections of the book are Epidemiology and Environment, Precursors, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Genetics, Controversies in Schizophrenia, and Treatment.

- Reflects the progress made on Schizophrenia since 1986.

This book comprises the conferences and discussions presented at the 5th Symposium on the "Search for the Causes of Schizophrenia," which took place for the second time in Guaruja, Brazil, April 2003. This series of symposia started in 1986, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the University of Heidelberg, Germany, followed by symposia in 1989, 1993 and 1998. Four volumes that have been widely used as a reference for comprehensive reviews on the state of the art in schizophrenia research have resulted from these meetings. They reflect the progress resulting from the most relevant studies on the etiology of the disease.

The topics covered in the six sections of the book are Epidemiology and Environment, Precursors, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Genetics, Controversies in Schizophrenia, and Treatment.