The article by Arthur H. Crisp, Michael G. Gelder, Susannah Rix, Howard I. Meltzer, and Olwen J. Rowlands examines the stigmatization of individuals with mental illnesses in the British adult population. The study aimed to gather baseline data for a campaign to combat stigma. A survey of 1,737 adults (65% response rate) was conducted, focusing on seven common mental disorders: severe depression, panic attacks, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction. The survey evaluated eight specific perceptions, including views on dangerousness, blame, self-help, treatment effectiveness, and prognosis. Key findings include: - Respondents often perceived people with schizophrenia, alcoholism, and drug addiction as unpredictable and dangerous, and these conditions were also seen as self-inflicted. - People with any of the seven disorders were generally perceived as difficult to talk with. - Opinions about treatment and prognosis were generally reasonable, with about half of respondents knowing someone with a mental illness. - Negative opinions about mental disorders are widespread and contribute to social isolation and distress. - A campaign against stigma should address the differences in opinions about the various disorders and focus on reducing discrimination. The authors conclude that stigmatizing opinions are not based on a lack of knowledge about mental disorders but require a sustained and multifaceted approach to change public perceptions and reduce discrimination. The study highlights the need for campaigns to be long-term and comprehensive, involving both information dissemination and efforts to reduce discrimination.The article by Arthur H. Crisp, Michael G. Gelder, Susannah Rix, Howard I. Meltzer, and Olwen J. Rowlands examines the stigmatization of individuals with mental illnesses in the British adult population. The study aimed to gather baseline data for a campaign to combat stigma. A survey of 1,737 adults (65% response rate) was conducted, focusing on seven common mental disorders: severe depression, panic attacks, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction. The survey evaluated eight specific perceptions, including views on dangerousness, blame, self-help, treatment effectiveness, and prognosis. Key findings include: - Respondents often perceived people with schizophrenia, alcoholism, and drug addiction as unpredictable and dangerous, and these conditions were also seen as self-inflicted. - People with any of the seven disorders were generally perceived as difficult to talk with. - Opinions about treatment and prognosis were generally reasonable, with about half of respondents knowing someone with a mental illness. - Negative opinions about mental disorders are widespread and contribute to social isolation and distress. - A campaign against stigma should address the differences in opinions about the various disorders and focus on reducing discrimination. The authors conclude that stigmatizing opinions are not based on a lack of knowledge about mental disorders but require a sustained and multifaceted approach to change public perceptions and reduce discrimination. The study highlights the need for campaigns to be long-term and comprehensive, involving both information dissemination and efforts to reduce discrimination.