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Public recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment: changes in Australia over 16 years
- Authors:
- REAVLEY Nicola, JORM Anthony F.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(5), May 2012, pp.419-425.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
In 1995 an Australian national survey of mental health literacy showed poor recognition of disorders and beliefs about treatment that differed from those of health professionals. A similar survey carried out in 2003/4 showed some improvements over 8 years. This study investigated whether recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment have changed over a 16-year period. A national survey of 6019 adults was carried out in 2011 using the same questions as in the two previous surveys. Results showed improved recognition of depression and more positive ratings for a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals and antidepressants. It is concluded that, although beliefs about effective medications and interventions have moved closer to those of health professionals since the previous surveys, there is still potential for mental health literacy gains in the areas of recognition and treatment beliefs for mental disorders. This is particularly the case for schizophrenia.
Helpfulness of interventions of mental disorders: beliefs of health professionals compared with the general public
- Authors:
- JORM Anthony F., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 171, September 1997, pp.233-237.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Aims to compare the beliefs of health professionals about the potential helpfulness of various mental health interventions with those of the general public. The professionals gave much higher ratings than the public to the helpfulness of antidepressants for depression, and of antipsychotics and admission to a psychiatric ward for schizophrenia. Conversely, the public tended to give much more favourable ratings to vitamins and minerals and special diets for both depression and schizophrenia, and to reading self-help books for schizophrenia. Concludes that the beliefs health practitioners hold about mental disorders differ greatly from those of the general public. Calls for mental health education campaigns to help close the gap between professional and public beliefs.