the papers presented here, written by experts from all parts of the globe, describe efforts that represent a revolutionary moment in the treatment of schizophrenia disorders as, with caution, we begin to shift the standard of treatment toward early intervention and prevention. contributions are organised according to the early course of psychosis. the book is of critical importance to anyone interested in psychotic disorders and the revolutionary impact that the field of early detection and intervention is having on traditional conceptualisations of psychotic illness.