Note from the editor.(Editorial)

Schizophrenia affects only a small percentage of the population--about one per cent worldwide--but it can be devastating. Schizophrenia often interferes with the ability to think dearly, distinguish reality from fantasy, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others, with obvious implications for daily living. However, although the World Health Organization has identified schizophrenia as one of the 10 most debilitating diseases, it is treatable, and the growing recovery movement attests to the fact that people with schizophrenia can lead full, meaningful lives.

The stories in this issue examine advances in psychosocial approaches to schizophrenia treatment, with a strong focus on recovery. As psychiatrists Dr. Julian Left and Dr. Richard Warner write in their book Social Inclusion of People with Mental Illness, "Recovery from mental illness is about more than just getting rid of the symptoms and staying out of hospital. It is about regaining a sense of identity, belonging and meaning in life." Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, paints a picture of hope in recovery. This is followed by an inspiring personal story of recovery from early psychosis, which illustrates that a diagnosis of schizophrenia is not a "kiss of death," as Summerville calls it. We also present feedback from people with schizophrenia and ...