APA Expert Opinion
An APA expert answers common questions about Mental Health Month

Carolyn Robinowitz, M.D. is American Psychiatric Association Secretary-Treasurer and 2006 President-Elect.

A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), conducted in observance of May as Mental Health Month, found a significant lack of consumer knowledge and understanding about the warning signs, causes, and effective treatments for mental illnesses, such as depression. Almost half the public—44 percent—report knowing only a little or almost nothing at all about mental illnesses. But asked whether they would benefit from knowing more about the warning signs of mental illness, 84 percent said yes. If you would like to learn more about the survey, read the News Release or the Survey Fact Sheet.

Your research shows that almost half of Americans don’t know a lot about mental illnesses – why is it so important for the public to know more?

Having a better understanding of mental illnesses will help those who suffer from them, their friends and families to seek help and get effective treatment so that they can live healthier lives. The more people understand the causes, warning signs and treatments, the more the stigma associated with mental illnesses will decline and people will get the help they need.

Your survey shows that many Americans have it wrong when it comes to the causes of mental illnesses. What are the causes? And how does knowing these causes help the public?

The causes of mental illnesses include genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events, and other physical illnesses and injuries with psychiatric side effects.

It’s important for people to know that mental illnesses are not the fault of the individual. Misconceptions about personal weakness or old age causing mental illnesses contribute to the stigma that is often associated with these disorders. Stigma has proven to be a barrier that prevents some people from getting the help and treatment they need to live a healthier, more productive life.

Mental illnesses are real and very treatable. Effective treatment can be accessed by seeing a mental health professional who is specially trained in the how the brain works. And psychiatrists are just that, mental health professionals with medical degrees who are specially trained and uniquely qualified to treat both the mind and body.

Your survey showed that many Americans don’t know the warning signs of common mental illnesses, but that most of those surveyed say they would benefit from knowing more about them. What are the warning signs?

Some of the warning signs of common mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders include:

• Marked personality change
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• Marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Extreme highs and lows

Where should people turn if they have mental health concerns?

For professional help, people can turn to their primary care physician or psychiatrist. As medical doctors, psychiatrists specialize in how the brain works. They are the only mental health practitioners who are trained in the biological workings of the mind and body. The APA works closely with primary care physicians to ensure comprehensive care.

In addition, there are a variety of community mental health centers, prescription drug assistance programs and other resources to help people get the care they need.

For more information, contact the American Psychiatric Association.

To locate a psychiatrist in your area, visit www.psych.org and click on "District Branches & State Associations" to contact your local APA District Branch. You may also visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org to locate a depression screening site near you.

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