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The present volume features lectures and discussions from the symposium on "Risk and protective factors in schizophrenia - towards a conceptual model of the disease process," held at the International Science Forum of the University of Heidelberg from October 25 to 27, 2001. It includes a "Summary and outlook" by Peter Jones, providing an overview of the results and perspectives from the event. The contributions reflect the creative and open-minded atmosphere of the meeting. This symposium continued the tradition of the Search for the Causes of Schizophrenia symposia, initiated in 1986 during the 600th anniversary of the University of Heidelberg and co-organized with Prof. Wagner Farid Gattaz from Sao Paulo. While previous symposia aimed to reflect the state of the art in schizophrenia research, this event focused on a more specific objective. It gathered 22 invited speakers and discussants, along with an equal number of young scientists in related research fields, providing them with an opportunity to engage and participate actively in the discussions.

The recent rapid developments in psychiatric and brain research have resulted in a variety of new perspectives and approaches. The use of new methods has contributed to a more profound understanding of so far unexplained psychiatric illnesses and personality traits. It is the aim of the authors of this book, who are all experts in their field, to describe the most important advances in the understanding of psychiatric dysfunctions and their underlying psychological and biological mechanisms. In addition, new hypotheses and results concerning prevention of depression and substance abuse are presented. Each contribution is accompanied by a competent critical discussion of the methods, results and hypotheses.