Mental health is as important as physical health to the overall well-being of an individual. This can be seen from the World Health Organisation’s (2003) definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

Mental illness has a huge impact not only on the individual himself or herself, but on his or her family and the society. Mental illness can affect anyone from any age groups, any occupations and social group.

In Singapore herself, it was estimated that about 10% of Singaporeans aged 21 to 55 years old have some form of mental ill health. Of this figure, an estimated of about 0.75% had schizophrenia (Ministry of Health, 2003).

This blog is thus set up to provide basic information to people who wants to find out more about schizophrenia. We hope that these information will be useful in guiding patients, families and caregivers in coping with schizophrenia.