Schizophrenia is arguably the most serious major psychiatric disorder, usually developing in late adolescence or early adulthood, and often having a profound effect over the lifetime on daily functioning. People with schizophrenia frequently have difficulties living independently and caring for themselves, working or attending school, fulfilling parental or other role obligations, and enjoying close relationships and rewarding leisure activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Although schizophrenia develops in about 1 in 100 individuals, it accounts for a disproportionate share of treatment costs and, according to the World Health Organization, is ranked as the second highest contributor to overall burden of diseases, behind cardiovascular disease (Murray & Lopez, 1996)
