Mental health literacy in an educational elite – an online survey among university students

Christoph Lauber · Vladeta Ajdacic‐Gross · Nadja Fritschi · Niklaus Stulz · Wulf Rössler A

120 citations0/0 files storedBMC Public Health

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Mental Health Treatment and Access Schizophrenia research and treatment Psychology and Mental Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mental health literacy is a prerequisite for early recognition and intervention in mental disorders. The aims of this paper are to determine whether a sample of university students recognise different symptoms of depression and schizophrenia and to reveal factors influencing correct recognition. METHODS: Bivariate and correspondence analyses of the results from an online survey among university students (n = 225). RESULTS: Most participants recognised the specific symptoms of depression. The symptoms of schizophrenia were acknowledged to a lower extent. Delusions of control and hallucinations of taste were not identified as symptoms of schizophrenia. Repeated revival of a trauma for depression and split personality for schizophrenia were frequently mistaken as symptoms of the respective disorders. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that previous interest in and a side job related to mental disorders, as well as previous personal treatment experience had a positive influence on symptom recognition. The correspondence analysis showed that male students of natural science, economics and philosophy are illiterate in recognising the symptoms depression and schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: Among the educational elite, a wide variability in mental health literacy was found. Therefore, it's important for public mental health interventions to focus on the different recognition rates in depression and schizophrenia. Possibilities for contact must be arranged according to interest and activity (e.g., at work). In order to improve mental health literacy, finally, education and/or internship should be integrated in high school or apprenticeship curricula. Special emphasis must be given towards the effects of gender and stereotypes held about mental illnesses.

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References

1994Lifetime and 12-Month Prevalence of DSM-III-R Psychiatric Disorders in the United States 1997“Mental health literacy”: a survey of the public's ability to recognise mental disorders and their beliefs about the effectiveness of treatment 2000Mental health literacy 2001Three Strategies for Changing Attributions about Severe Mental Illness 1997Depression in the community 2002Mental health first aid training for the public: evaluation of effects on knowledge, attitudes and helping behavior 1997Stigma and mental illness: A review and critique 2004Factors Influencing Social Distance Toward People with Mental Illness

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