Schizophrenia is one of the most mysterious and frightening mental illnesses, afficting approximately 2.5 million people in the United States today. It is a costly disease-the U.S. economy spends between $32.5 and $65 billion annually to support those affected-but the human cost is much greater. Author Elaine Landau explores this devastating illness in detail, discussing its possible causes, characteristics, and treatment. Also included are inspirational stories from those who have recovered from schizophrenia and those who have learned to control the symptoms.