The paper reviews the clinical presentations and pathogenetic features of youth-onset schizophrenia with onset at the age of 16—25 years old. The clinical presentation of the disease in young people is different in comparison to adult patients. Psychopathological and biological characteristics of the first episode, the course of «progressive» schizophrenia and «malignant youth schizophrenia» in the pubertal period are described. Early diagnosis and prevention of disease manifestation are discussed. Recommendations on therapeutic measures at different stages of the endogenous process in this age are presented. The most important future goals of research in this field are formulated.