Stigma of severe mental illnesses continues to rise in Australia

Tuesday February 22

Despite consistent public awareness campaigns, research reveals Australians still misunderstand schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

A survey of 2,505 Australians reveals that misconceptions related to mental illness are on the rise as nearly half of respondents in 2010 (47%) incorrectly believe schizophrenia means "having violent tendencies", a dramatic jump from less than one third (32%) in 2006.¹

The Pfizer Mental Health Report is developed in collaboration with the Schizophrenia Fellowship of New South Wales (SFNSW) and the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA), and supported by Pfizer Australia.

The Report highlights that while Australians recognise schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are disabling mental illnesses, there is limited understanding of the impact, symptoms and prognosis for patients.

Rob Ramjan, CEO of SFNSW, believes misinformation exacerbates the stigma associated with severe mental illnesses.

"Through public awareness and National Mental Health Strategy efforts, Australians are better informed and more tolerant of mental illness. However, there is still work to be done. The long-held myth that people with schizophrenia are violent is ironic given that they are frequently on the receiving end of violence, misunderstanding and discrimination²," said Mr. Ramjan.

Schizophrenia is a condition characterised by disturbances in a person's thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour.³It affects approximately one in every 100 people worldwide, making it ten times more common than AIDS, cot death and melanoma combined.⁴

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that was previously referred to as manic depression. It affects the normal functioning of the brain so the person experiences extreme moods, mania and depression.⁵

The survey indicates the Australian public perceives these illnesses as more disabling than they actually are, highlighting a lack of understanding of effective management options.⁶

Carer Elaine Goddard, whose son has schizophrenia, says with holistic management approach, prognosis for consumers can be positive.

"With a holistic approach to schizophrenia management, the prognosis is often positive and the possibility of improvement and recovery is strong. In my experience, a combination of medicine and community support can greatly improve quality of life," said Ms Goddard.

Despite a general awareness of the disabling nature of severe mental illness, 44% of the general public believe sufferers can self-manage schizophrenia.⁷Consumers hold different views about medicine. 59% are currently taking medicine though only 49% support medicines as a means of treating schizophrenia.⁸

The survey also reveals one third of consumers do not feel well informed about the potential side effects of medicine sand an additional one third are uncomfortable talking to their doctor about their medicine.⁹

Professor Tim Lambert, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney, believes it is important to educate consumers about management options.

"There is extensive research demonstrating the effectiveness of medicine in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.¹⁰Consumers and their carers need to be informed of management options and feel comfortable seeking help from and trusting their treatment team," said Dr Lambert.

Despite evidence of positive prognosis with ongoing treatment, the stigma of mental illness is still very strong in Australia.

The majority of Australians (more than 80%)¹¹,¹²recognise that people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder want to live and work independently. However, only 57% of the community said they would welcome a consumer in a workplace like their own, suggesting a reluctance to accept and integrate.¹³

"Concerns about working alongside people with schizophrenia are usually based on unfounded fears that consumers could become violent in the work environment. However, people with mental illnesses often flourish when given opportunities to enjoy meaningful employment," said Mr Ramjan

"It is important for consumers and their carers to seek information and support from their doctors and communities. Our capacity to improve treatment and the lives of consumers and carers is now greater than it has ever been ? there is a great deal of hope for people living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder."

For more information about schizophrenia and bipolar disorder visit www.sfnsw.org.au or www.mifa.org.au.

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