Have there been any changes in the public's attitudes towards psychiatric treatment? Results from representative population surveys in Germany in the years 1990 and 2001

Abstract

Objective: During the 1990s, the reform of German mental health care made considerable progress. In addition, important advances in the treatment of mental disorders took place. The question arises as to whether these improvements were accompanied by a greater acceptance of psychiatric treatment by the public.

Method: In 1990 and 2001, representative surveys were conducted among the adult German population, using the same sampling procedure and interview.

Results: In the course of the 1990s, the German public became more inclined to recommend to seek help from psychiatrists or psychotherapists in case of schizophrenia or major depression. There was also an increase in the willingness to recommend therapy in general, which was particularly pronounced with regard to drug treatment and psychotherapy of schizophrenia.

Conclusion: Our findings seem to support the notion that improvements in mental health care are reflected in the public's attitudes towards psychiatric treatment. This may, in turn, positively impact help-seeking behaviour.