title: Public recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment: changes in Australia over 16 years.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A 1995 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment have changed over a 16-year period.
  
  
  METHODS
  A national survey of 6019 adults was carried out in 2011 using the same questions as the 1995 and 2003/4 surveys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed improved recognition of depression and more positive ratings for a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals and antidepressants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Locked Bag 10, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. nreavley@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Nicola J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Reavley
authors.forename: Anthony F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Jorm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D012423:Rural Health; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents