This volume, an edition supported by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), contains selected papers from the Symposium of the WPA Section of Preventive Psychiatry - held during the 10th World Congress of Psychiatry - together with invited papers by worldwide renowned experts in psychiatric prevention. The editors emphasize that health cannot be defined only by the absence of illness, but that its definition has to include the ‘ey eexein’ (well-being) of the Ancient Greeks. To achieve the aim of mental health and to prevent psychiatric disorders it is essential to collaborate with all professionals involved (e.g. teachers, priests, policemen, journalists etc.). As pointed out by Norman Sartorius (president of the WPA) in his preface the book ‘is likely to facilitate implementation of prevention programs’ and hopefully will lead ‘to the improvement of the quality and quantity of life for many people and the society as a whole’.