In Chapter 11 of Inside Out and Outside In, Patricia Hertz discusses various manifestations of psychosis, focusing especially on schizophrenia. The author tries to dispel misconceptions, prejudices, and myths about psychotic disorders and schizophrenia by presenting various models and theories of this complicated collection of disorders. All psychoses are characterized by dissociations or complete breaks from reality, but individuals display varying degrees of social, cognitive, and affective functioning. Therefore, it is important to refrain from making too many generalizations about the psychotic disorders.

             Almost anyone can become schizophrenic. Although some populations display a higher prevalence than others, people from all backgrounds and cultures can develop a psychotic break. Schizophrenia usually manifests during late adolescence or early adulthood, which is why the disorder was originally called dementia praecox. Freud postulated that schizophrenia and psychoses were related to the ego's conflict with external reality, leading to denial and delusion. Freud's theories remain salient in providing psychologists a theoretical framework from which to view and treat a schizophrenic patient's cognitive and affective disturbances, as well as to better understand the social and formative triggers for the illness. Hertz notes that the prognosis for people with schizophrenia varies greatly. Many recover completely, but for some the disorder is chronic and requires a lifetime of care and intervention. Outcome us generally more favorable when the onset of the disease was sudden and when the individual has a strong, dependable network of social support. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are common among schizophrenics, so it is important to diagnose and treat the illness as early as possible.

             Schizophrenia is a complex, perplexing disorder that confounds scientists as well as the people who suffer from the disorder and their families.