Neurotrophins have established roles in neuronal development, synaptogenesis, and response to stress/anxious stimuli. Moreover, these agents are neuromodulators of monoaminergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic systems. Amidst a growing appreciation of the developmental neurobiology of schizophrenia--as well as the propensity for progressive brain changes--there is emergent information on abnormalities in the expression of neurotrophins in schizophrenia. This article reviews the literature on neurotrophins and schizophrenia. A schema for understanding the neurobiology of relapse in schizophrenia is offered.