An opinion survey about the causes and treatment of mental illness and the social acceptance of the mentally ill patients.

In the present study assessment of Public Opinion of two groups, relatives and non-relatives attending the out patient department with the patients, were done. Analysis of the data revealed that both groups held heredity as the cause of mental illness and both groups preferred, significantly the efficacy of Psychiatric treatment like E.C.T. and drugs to that of Homoeopathic and Ayurvedic treatment, Magic and faith healing procedure, not preferred to any significant extent. Regarding efficacy of treatment of the mentally ill we find that significantly more number of relatives did favour E.C.T. and drugs. Psychotherapy has yet to make a mark.