Recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment and outcome in a survey of older Japanese adults

This study investigated disorder recognition and beliefs about treatment and outcome in a sample of Japanese adults aged 70-79. An online survey presented 1000 participants with vignettes of a person experiencing either major depression or chronic schizophrenia. Participants were asked to identify the problem, rate the helpfulness of a range of interventions, and indicate the likely outcome for the person with or without appropriate professional help. Most participants correctly identified the disorder presented in the vignette. The highest helpfulness ratings were given to mental health professionals (e.g. psychiatrists), informal supports (e.g. close family) and lifestyle interventions (e.g. physical activity). Psychiatric medications had comparatively low ratings of helpfulness. Around 20% of people believed that dealing with schizophrenia alone would be helpful. Participants believed that full or partial recovery with reoccurrence was the most likely outcome for both disorders, although 15-18% of people did not know what the likely outcome would be. Public health messages that emphasize the importance of early and appropriate help-seeking may facilitate improvements in the mental health literacy of older Japanese adults.