1 in 6 people has a common mental illness at some point in their
life (Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2000). About 1% of the
population experience schizophrenia at some point in their lives
(Mental Health Foundation, 1999). About 1% of the population
experience manic depression at some point in their lives (Mental
Health Foundation, 1999). 1 in 200 people have experienced a
psychotic illness in the last year (Singleton, Psychiatric
Morbidity, 2000). The average age of onset of psychotic symptoms
is 22 (Department of Health, 2001) Deprived areas and rural
districts have the highest levels of mental health problems and
suicides (ONS, 2001). People from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds are
3-5 times more likely than others to be diagnosed and admitted
to hospital for schizophrenia. (Mental Health Foundation, 1999)
About 25% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia will make a
full recovery; about 60% of people will have fluctuating
symptoms; about 10-15% of people experience long term incapacity
(Mental Health Foundation