Figure 1: Recognition of Mental Disorders in a Vignette

National Survey Results

Recognition of Mental Disorders in a Vignette

FNMI respondents were less likely to label a vignette correctly compared to the general population; they were more likely to give a vague or general evaluation, saying that the character in the scenario has a “mental problem” or a “mental disorder” rather than cite a specific illness. Compared to the general public, FNMI respondents were also more likely to say that they “don’t” know” or are “not sure” what is wrong. The reasons for these findings are unclear.

When presented with vignettes of persons exhibiting symptoms of depression or schizophrenia, the Canadian focus groups showed a reasonably high degree of recognition. All of the senior groups and one youth group correctly identified depression. The other youth groups attributed the symptoms to stress/anxiety. Compared to survey findings, recognition for schizophrenia was high, and all of the youth and senior groups correctly identified schizophrenia.

Focus group participants asked about warning signs of a mental health problem showed good recognition. Most participants cited significant changes to normal behaviour such as changes to eating and sleeping patterns, and changes in mood, as warning signs.

Implications for Enhancing Mental Health Literacy

Canadians appear to have reasonably good MHL regarding prevalence, awareness of warning signs, and ability to identify a mental disorder as such. These capacities would likely enhance the ability to identify a mental health problem and to intervene early. Footnote 66 While recognition for mental disorders is quite high, Canadians do not always know the correct diagnostic labels. It is not clear how important it is that people know specific diagnostic labels. Diagnostic labeling can increase stigma Footnote 67 although unusual or disturbing behaviour is stigmatized more than psychiatric labels per se. Footnote 68 However, the capacity to label a mental health problem correctly could improve communications with mental health professionals and increase the likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment. Footnote 69 In any event, there is room for some improvement of general knowledge of mental health problems: many people underestimate the prevalence of mental disorders and many, especially youth, confuse other disorders with mental disorders.

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Return to note 66 Jorm, 2000; Jorm et al, 2006a

Return to note 67 Sartorius, 2002; Patel, 2004

Return to note 68 Mann and Himelein, 2004

Return to note 69 Jorm et al, 2000