Metacognition in Schizophrenia: introduction to the special issue.

Deficits in metacognitive capacity in schizophrenia can be conceptualized as existing along a spectrum from more discrete to more synthetic activities. These capacities may be of great importance in schizophrenia research as a phenomenon which mediates and moderates the impact of illness related factors and general social factors upon outcome. In this introduction to the special issue on metacognition in schizophrenia we will discuss the evolution of the conceptualization of metacognition and its application to schizophrenia. We will focus on the implications of these conceptualizations for emerging models of psychopathology and treatment, and introduce the reader to core concepts to be explored in the articles composing this issue.