Scope - To discuss, after a description of the main attempts of classification of schizophrenic disorders made from the last century up to now, the main features of the ICD-10 classification of schizophrenia and related dis-orders. The main features of this chapter of the ICD-10 are then compared to the ICD-9 and DSM-III-R classifications. Results - The ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia require a duration of only 1 month (compared to the 6 month duration criterion of the DSM-III-R); positive symptoms of psychosis, in particular Schneiderian symptoms, are given more prominence than they are in the DSM-III-R. Moreover, it is foreseen the possibility of a favourable outcome of the disorder; this has been based on the results of several follow-up studies, including some major WHO multicentric studies showing a positive outcome in substantial proportion of patients. Conclusions - On the whole, ICD-10 broadens the diagnostic concept of schizophrenia in comparison to other diagnostic systems, whereas the emphasis placed on Schneiderian first-rank symptoms tends to overweight this tendency and makes the criteria for inclusion more narrow.