BACKGROUND: Although recent advances in psychiatry have increased our understanding of @entity146 ,many @entity1 with chronic or severe @entity146 may be unaware that effective treatment is available. It is possible that ignorance and stigma prevent such @entity1 from seeking appropriate help, and that community attitudes and beliefs play a role in determining the help-seeking behaviour and successful treatment of the mentally ill. Nevertheless, there is little research on the attitudes of lay @entity1 toward @entity1032 within the South African community. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of the general South African public toward @entity1032 , specifically regarding the causes of illness and treatment options. METHOD: The study design employed a questionnaire survey. Structured interviews (n = 667) were conducted with members of the general public. One of eight vignettes, portraying @entity308 , @entity161 , @entity4697 or @entity734 , with subtle or obvious symptoms, was presented to each respondent. RESULTS: The main findings were that cases were most often conceptualised as stress-related or due to a lack of willpower rather than as medical disorders. Treatment advocated was more often to talk the problem over than to consult professional medical help. Psychotherapy was the preferred treatment option, particularly in vignettes where symptom presentation was subtle, and in cases of @entity734 . CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that stigma and misinformation regarding @entity1032 exist, influencing preferred treatment modality and help-seeking behaviour. More work needs to be done to educate the public about the psychobiological underpinnings of @entity146 and about the value of effective treatments. A better understanding of these disorders amongst the public would presumably lessen stigmatisation and encourage the use of currently available and effective interventions.

Community attitudes toward and knowledge of XXXX in South Africa.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['people', 'persons'] @entity1032 :: ('MESH:D008607', 'Disease') :: ['mental illness'] @entity308 :: ('MESH:D003866', 'Disease') :: ['depression'] @entity4697 :: ('MESH:D016584', 'Disease') :: ['panic disorder'] @entity146 :: ('MESH:D001523', 'Disease') :: ['psychiatric disorders'] @entity161 :: ('MESH:D012559', 'Disease') :: ['schizophrenia'] @entity734 :: ('MESH:D019966', 'Disease') :: ['substance abuse']
@entity1032 :: (MESH:D008607,Disease) :: ['mental illness']
