A survey of 1,737 British adults found that people with mental illnesses were often viewed negatively, with schizophrenia, alcoholism, and drug addiction being seen as dangerous, unpredictable, and self-inflicted. People with any of the seven disorders were generally perceived as difficult to talk to. While opinions about treatment and prognosis suggested reasonable knowledge, about half of respondents knew someone with a mental illness. Negative opinions contributed to social isolation and employment difficulties for sufferers. The study highlights the need for a campaign against stigma that addresses differences in opinions about the seven disorders. The Royal College of Psychiatrists launched a five-year campaign to reduce stigma, but results show that stigmatizing attitudes remain widespread. The survey found that older adults were less likely to view schizophrenia, alcoholism, and drug addiction as dangerous. Public knowledge of mental illness was generally good, but stigmatizing opinions were not always based on a lack of knowledge. The campaign must address not only information but also reduce discrimination. The study also emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy in healthcare, as well as the need for adequate staffing in mental health services. The findings suggest that reducing stigma will require long-term efforts and that campaigns should also address discrimination against people with mental illnesses. The study was funded by Eli Lilly and Co. Ltd. and was conducted by the Office for National Statistics.A survey of 1,737 British adults found that people with mental illnesses were often viewed negatively, with schizophrenia, alcoholism, and drug addiction being seen as dangerous, unpredictable, and self-inflicted. People with any of the seven disorders were generally perceived as difficult to talk to. While opinions about treatment and prognosis suggested reasonable knowledge, about half of respondents knew someone with a mental illness. Negative opinions contributed to social isolation and employment difficulties for sufferers. The study highlights the need for a campaign against stigma that addresses differences in opinions about the seven disorders. The Royal College of Psychiatrists launched a five-year campaign to reduce stigma, but results show that stigmatizing attitudes remain widespread. The survey found that older adults were less likely to view schizophrenia, alcoholism, and drug addiction as dangerous. Public knowledge of mental illness was generally good, but stigmatizing opinions were not always based on a lack of knowledge. The campaign must address not only information but also reduce discrimination. The study also emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy in healthcare, as well as the need for adequate staffing in mental health services. The findings suggest that reducing stigma will require long-term efforts and that campaigns should also address discrimination against people with mental illnesses. The study was funded by Eli Lilly and Co. Ltd. and was conducted by the Office for National Statistics.