Schizophrenia, getting closer to it in order to understand it Section: TEACHING TO LEARN Authors1Ana Mª Santos Herrero, 2Amparo Bellver Cebria Position 1Enfermera Especialista en Salud Mental. Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia.2Profesora de Enfermería Psiquiatria y de Salud Mental de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería “La Fe” de Valencia. Contact email: anasantos@mcparquitectura.com Abstract We usually fear what we do not know. Severe mental illnesses and, specifically, schizophrenia, are unknown pathologies to society in general. Schizophrenia affects 1% of the world’s population, a significant figure that calls for prompt attention. The lack of information, prejudices, and false beliefs about the disease, contribute negatively both on people who suffer from it as well as their family members. The aim of this paper is to bring the reader closer to the actual facts of this pathology in order to gain a better understanding of how it works. Determining its sufferers, its causes, how it manifests, its classification, course and complex therapeutic approach, call all help us achieve this goal. Keywords: schizophrenia; nurse; person; therapeutic keysfamily and healthcare resources Versión en Español Título: La esquizofrenia, acercarse a ella para entenderla