[Help-seeking from a Community Mental Health Centre].
Help-seeking is a multi-dimensional process. Individual, family and social factors all may be relevant  in determining if and when help is sought. This study explored the possible factors affecting the  help-seeking behaviour of individuals with mental health problems and their first contact with  a mental health professional. Ιndividuals, who sought help from the Community Mental Health  Centre (CMHC) during 2003-2007, completed a questionnaire and information was obtained on a  number of  variables  including demographic  characteristics. Women,  compared  to men,  seek help  from the CMHC at a greater frequency. Individuals with psychotic symptoms don't seek help initially  from a CMHC and they used to visit other mental health services. The percentage of individuals  diagnosed with psychosis, emotional and anxiety disorders, seeking help for the first time in their  lives 12 months after the onset of psychopathology, was high. Delays in initiating treatment are  often prolonged and the duration of untreated disorder is associated with substantial functional  decline and poorer quality of life. Reduction of these delays will require clearer understanding of  the contributing factors.
Zografou Community Mental Health Centre, Athens, Greece.
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Zartaloudi
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Madianos