Christoph Lauber1, Carlos Nordt, Wulf Rössler. 1. Psychiatric University Hospital, Militärstrasse 8, PO Box 1930, 8021, Zurich, Switzerland. christoph.lauber@puk.zh.ch
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study are (1) to assess the mental health literacy of mental health professionals, (2) to determine whether there is agreement between different professional groups with respect to different psychopathological conditions and (3) to compare the professionals' knowledge with that of the general population. METHODS: Two representative samples of mental health professionals and laypersons were presented with a vignette depicting either a person with schizophrenia, major depression or without any psychiatric symptoms ('non-case'). Out of 18 treatment proposals, the respondents were asked to indicate the proposals regarded as helpful and those considered as being harmful, respectively, for the person depicted. RESULTS: Mental health professionals view their profession and less often their treatment methods as helpful. Dealing with the situation alone, electroconvulsive therapy, hypnotics and sedatives are consistently regarded as harmful. For the individual with schizophrenia, mental health professionals agree about helpful treatments. Regarding depression, a lack of consensus is found about treatment proposals such as psychiatric hospitalisation, antidepressants and complementary and alternative medicine. An important part of mental health professionals suggests medical help (psychologists and general practitioners) for the non-case vignette. Fewer nurses, social workers, vocational workers and occupational therapists ('other therapists') as compared to psychiatrists and psychologists recommend standard treatment methods. Professionals and the general population significantly differ in their attitudes towards the treatment suggestions, especially regarding medication and alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the treatment of mental disorders, various strategies must be considered. These include permanent education of all mental health professionals, especially nurses and other therapists. A special focus must be given to affective disorders and a potential (over-) treatment of normal behaviour.
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study are (1) to assess the mental health literacy of mental health professionals, (2) to determine whether there is agreement between different professional groups with respect to different psychopathological conditions and (3) to compare the professionals' knowledge with that of the general population. METHODS: Two representative samples of mental health professionals and laypersons were presented with a vignette depicting either a person with schizophrenia, major depression or without any psychiatric symptoms ('non-case'). Out of 18 treatment proposals, the respondents were asked to indicate the proposals regarded as helpful and those considered as being harmful, respectively, for the person depicted. RESULTS: Mental health professionals view their profession and less often their treatment methods as helpful. Dealing with the situation alone, electroconvulsive therapy, hypnotics and sedatives are consistently regarded as harmful. For the individual with schizophrenia, mental health professionals agree about helpful treatments. Regarding depression, a lack of consensus is found about treatment proposals such as psychiatric hospitalisation, antidepressants and complementary and alternative medicine. An important part of mental health professionals suggests medical help (psychologists and general practitioners) for the non-case vignette. Fewer nurses, social workers, vocational workers and occupational therapists ('other therapists') as compared to psychiatrists and psychologists recommend standard treatment methods. Professionals and the general population significantly differ in their attitudes towards the treatment suggestions, especially regarding medication and alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the treatment of mental disorders, various strategies must be considered. These include permanent education of all mental health professionals, especially nurses and other therapists. A special focus must be given to affective disorders and a potential (over-) treatment of normal behaviour.
Authors: Sandra Dietrich; Michael Beck; Bujana Bujantugs; Denis Kenzine; Herbert Matschinger; Matthias C Angermeyer Journal: Aust N Z J Psychiatry Date: 2004-05 Impact factor: 5.744
Authors: Olaf von dem Knesebeck; Eva Mnich; Anne Daubmann; Karl Wegscheider; Matthias C Angermeyer; Martin Lambert; Anne Karow; Martin Härter; Christopher Kofahl Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2012-10-10 Impact factor: 4.328