The National Mental Health Registry (NMHR)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The National Mental Health Registry (NMHR) was established in Malaysia to gather data on mental disorders.
• Initial efforts focused on schizophrenia, with the first report published in 2004.
• The registry has since expanded to include data on suicides and other mental illnesses like depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence of selected mental disorders in Malaysia.
• To evaluate risk factors and treatment patterns for mental health conditions.
• To provide a comprehensive profile of individuals with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Data collection from government, academic, and private healthcare facilities across Malaysia.
• Analysis of registry data to identify trends and characteristics of mental health patients.
• Inclusion of pharmacotherapy details and cross-tabulations for enhanced reporting.

Main Results:

• The NMHR Report 2003-2005 provides detailed profiles of first-time schizophrenia patients in Malaysia.
• Information on pharmacotherapy and cross-tabulations are included for clinical insights.
• The registry's scope has broadened to encompass suicides and depression.

Conclusions:

• The NMHR is a valuable resource for understanding the landscape of mental health in Malaysia.
• Continued data collection and reporting are crucial for informing public health strategies and clinical practice.
• The registry supports improved estimation of mental disorder incidence and evaluation of interventions.