Background: Little is known about public beliefs concerning the treatment of mental disorders in developing countries.
Aims: To assess preferences on sources of help and treatment and the perception of prognosis for schizophrenia and depression.
Method: A household survey was carried out in 2002 with a probabilistic sample of 1000 individuals, residents of São Paulo city, Brazil, with ages ranging from 18—65. Vignettes in colloquial language describing individuals with schizophrenia and depression (according to DSM-IV and ICD-10) were presented, together with a structured questionnaire with questions about the vignette.
Results: Results indicated the same general tendencies for schizophrenia and depression. The public considered the help of lay people and psychologists the most useful. Medical professionals are viewed less favorably. The treatments and activities most recommended are psychotherapy and general activities, such as physical activities and attending church services. Medical treatments are seen as more harmful than helpful. The more important determinants were: identification as mental illness, religion, sex and years of school completed. Prognosis with treatment for both disorders is viewed as favorable.
Conclusions: These results may indicate that the public need to receive more information on the full range of treatments options, especially those related to medical treatment.
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