Improving the public's understanding and response to mental disorders

Mental disorders are so common that members of the public have a high probability of either developing one or having close contact with someone who does. Therefore, the public need some degree of knowledge about the recognition, management and prevention of these disorders. Community surveys in Australia show that many people are unable to recognise mental disorders and that they hold beliefs about treatment that are different from those of professionals. This lack of knowledge may affect whether appropriate help is sought, whether it is adhered to, and how people respond to others with mental disorders. However, there is evidence that public knowledge in Australia has improved in recent years. A number of interventions have been shown to improve public knowledge, including community campaigns, school-based programs, websites and training courses. Further work is needed to develop programs that encourage public action in the areas of prevention and early intervention. While it is known that interventions can increase knowledge, further research is needed to find out whether these interventions have flow-on benefits for the mental health of the population.