| Attitude Towards Psychiatric Treatment and Prejudice Against Psychiatric Medications in General Population. |
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Honey Kim, Ji Eun Hong, Min Joo Oh, Ju Yeon Lee, Jae Min Kim, Il Seon Shin, Jin Sang Yoon, Sung Wan Kim |
1Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. swkim@chonnam.ac.kr
2Gwangju Mental Health and Welfare Commission, Gwangju, Korea. |
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| Abstract |
OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to examine attitudes and prejudice toward psychiatric treatment and medications in the general population.
METHODS
This mental health survey was performed in a total of 850 members of the general population. The survey used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a 7-item questionnaire regarding psychiatric treatment and medication.
RESULTS
With regard to attitudes toward psychiatric treatment, 50.7% of subjects reported that they would accept psychiatric treatment if they had a problem (passive), 34.6% reported acceptance even if they had no problems (active), and 14.7% reported not wanting to receive psychiatric treatment under any conditions (negative). A total of 64.0% of subjects agreed with the statement “I will be disadvantaged in getting a job due to disclosure of any psychiatric treatment without my permission.” The likelihood of a negative attitude and prejudice toward psychiatric treatment were significantly higher in men and in people >40 years old. The acceptance of psychiatric treatment was significantly lower in those who felt that such treatment would have a negative effect on employment opportunities. Prejudice against psychiatric medication was significantly more common in the group with a negative attitude toward treatment, and in people with depression and a history of suicide attempts. Groups with prejudice toward psychiatric medications scored significantly higher on the PSS.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggested that a negative attitude toward psychiatric treatment is associated with prejudice toward psychiatric treatment and medications. It is necessary to actively provide public education to reduce prejudice against psychiatric treatment and medications in the general population. |
| Key Words:
Prejudice · Psychiatric treatment · Medication · Stigma · Community |
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