Mental health literacy - is there a gap between health professional and the public's knowledge and understanding?

Authors

Judy Mullan, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

74578

Publication Details

Mullan, J. (2013). Mental health literacy - is there a gap between health professional and the public's knowledge and understanding?. IAP International Conference 2013: Mind the Gap (in psychiatric treatment, research, education) (pp. 17-17).

Abstract

Mental health literacy, defined as the "knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention (Jorm et al 1997, p. 182), is generally poor among members of the public (Mohamad et al 2012). This lack of knowledge and understanding contributes to poor treatment uptake and/or management, which in turn can lead to secondary medical and social problems.