Do only a small percentage of people get mental illness? Mental illness is very common. For example, one in every hundred people will develop schizophrenia at some point in their lives, and 10 in every hundred will get a mind (state of mind) disorder. Overall, 20 out of every 100 people will experience some form of mental problem at some point in their lives. Are all psychopaths violent? Research shows that mentally ill people are no more violent or dangerous than the rest of the population. If there is a link, it can only mean that they are more likely to be victims of violence, especially self-harm. A small percentage of people with mental illness may be more violent than the general population. These people may have a history of violent behavior, use drugs or alcohol, and are not receiving treatment or taking medication as prescribed. People with mental illness are associated with only a small percentage of violence in society. Should mentally ill people be isolated in mental hospitals? With modern medications and treatments, it makes no sense to keep the mentally ill in the hospital for more than a few weeks, like any other illness. There has been a gradual shift to the era of community treatment so that patients can remain at home. However, we must ensure that the mentally ill have access to adequate community support – accommodation, rehabilitation facilities, recreation and measures to help with employment. Understanding and respect are forms of support we can all give. What is schizophrenia? Is schizophrenia a split personality? Re. Schizophrenia has nothing to do with the so-called split personality. Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain and hinders a person’s ability to think, feel and act normally. Some people with schizophrenia make a full recovery, and most patients gradually improve their symptoms over time. There is no cure yet, but it is treatable.