Citation

Ineland L, Jacobssson L, Renberg ES, Sjolander P. Nord. J. Psychiatry 2008; 62(3): 192-197.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

Comment In:

Nord J Psychiatry 2008;62(3):173.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08039480801962855

PMID

18609028

Abstract

Over the years a lot of research of attitudes towards mental disorders, towards people with mental illness and towards psychiatric services and treatment have shown a persistent negative attitude. There are, however, few studies on changes over time. The aim of this study was to compare responses to a questionnaire on attitudes towards mental disorders and psychiatric patients and the perception of psychiatric treatment in a community in northern Sweden in 1976 and 2003. In 1976 a random sample of 391 persons 18-70 years of age were asked and in 2003 a new sample of 500 persons from the same community were approached with the same questions. There are considerable changes over time. In 2003, almost 90% agree to the statement that mental illness harms the reputation more than physical illness, compared with 50% in 1976. In 2003, 51% agreed to the statement "Most people with mental disorders commit violent acts more than others" compared with 24% in 1976. There is an apparent ambivalence towards psychiatric treatment. Whilst 88% would advice a person with mental problems to contact a psychiatrist, still 26% would not like themselves to be referred to a psychiatrist. We argue that improving treatment methods is as important as changing attitudes through accurate information.

Language: en