National mental health registry for schizophrenia in Malaysia: A preliminary assessment on service utilization

The National Mental Health Registry for Schizophrenia (NMHRS) was established in Malaysia in 2003. Data includes patients who are now receiving treatment in all different facilities in the country and at all levels, including primary care. A subset of data from the registry was analyzed to assess how people with schizophrenia in Malaysia utilize the service. A total of 276 patients with schizophrenia from the NMHRS who were still being followed up after 1 year of treatment at the same facility were included in the assessment. About 13% (n=36) of the patients were seen at an emergency department, 17% (n=46) had psychiatric rehospitalization, 2% (n=6) were transferred to a mental institution, 89.1% (n=246) were on regular follow‐up, 3% (n=9) abused a substance, 22% (n=6) attempted self harm, 4% (n=10) had been in contact with or arrested by police, 10% (n=27) utilized community mental health services and 14% (n=38) continued to seek alternative treatment. Apart from being useful in assisting policy planners, administrators, and clinicians to further improve the mental health services, the present study can also suggest areas of future service research for people with schizophrenia in Malaysia.