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Opinions surveys
 
1998 Survey results
 
A randomised sample of 1700 people was interviewed in July 1998 - before the start of the campaign - by the Office of National Statistics. They were asked a series of eight questions about the six disorders which the campaign is tackling:
 
  • Severe depression
  • Panic attacks or phobias
  • Dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's disease)
  • Eating disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Alcohol and drug misuse
 
Although the public does recognise the differences between the six mental disorders, the survey found that stigmatising attitudes are common in men and women of all age groups in all parts of the country. Other key findings were:
 
  • Schizophrenia and alcohol and drug addiction are seen as most 'dangerous'
  • Half the population still believes that people with depression could 'pull themselves together'
  • People with any mental disorder are seen as difficult to communicate with
  • Public perceptions of the effectiveness of treatments are accurate, except for anorexia nervosa, where they are too optimistic
 
A full analysis of the survey was published by Crisp et al (2000) in the British Journal of Psychiatry (177) 4-7 and can be downloaded free of charge.
 
2003 Survey results
 
Second survey of public opinions concerning people with mental illnesses.
 
In July 2003 the nation-wide survey of public opinions concerning people with mental illnesses was repeated, again conducted by the Office for National Statistics on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ anti-stigma campaign. Analysis of the results of this new survey show to what extent public attitudes towards mental illnesses have changed during the five years of the Campaign. Also, data from the two surveys has been combined to allow a more detailed analysis of the characteristics of people with negative attitudes towards those with mental illness.
 
The results reveal the same pattern of responses as in 1998 (Crisp et al 2000; published in the British Journal of Psychiatry (177) 4-7) but with many significant small reductions in the percentages of negative opinions, especially concerning difficulties in communicating with people with mental illnesses. .
 
The results of the second survey are presented within the 35 tables below (© Royal College of Psychiatrists). Description and analysis of the tables can be seen at Report of research carried out in July 1998 and July 2003 by the ONS on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.  Adobe PDF
 
A detailed analysis of the results has been published in World Psychiatry 4:2, 106-113 (June 2005).  Adobe PDF
 
A more detailed analysis of the results is currently being prepared for publication.
 
Result tables listed below are in Microsoft Excel format Microsoft Excel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arthur Crisp (chairman, Changing Minds Campaign 1998 – 2003)
Michael Gelder (chairman, Research Advisory Committee)
Eileen Goddard (Office for National Statistics)
Howard Meltzer (Office for National Statistics)
 
 
For further information about the Campaign, please e-mail: stigma@rcpsych.ac.uk
Alcohol and drug misuse Alzheimers & dementia Anorexia & bulimia Anxiety Schizophrenia Depression Personality disorder

 
© 2006 Royal College of Psychiatrists