Table 2.
Respondents views about course of mental disorders and risk factors for schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and autism*
| Views about course: | Schizophrenia | Bipolar disorders | Autism | Differences between disorders* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develops early in life |
44% |
31% |
45% |
p < 0.002 |
| Early diagnosis is possible |
38% |
36% |
84% |
|
| Requires lifelong treatment |
74% |
53% |
61% |
|
| With treatment, a person can live a normal life |
49% |
56% |
25% |
|
| It will become more severe / worsen over time |
42% |
37% |
21% |
|
|
Views about risk factors: |
|
|
|
|
| Drugs & Alcohol Misuse |
58% |
54% |
3% |
p < 0.001 |
| Stressful Life Events |
52% |
67% |
23% |
|
| Life Style/Environment |
42% |
64% |
11% |
|
| Parent-Children Interactions |
32% |
49% |
22% |
|
| Genetic Factors |
27% |
25% |
44% |
|
| Did Not Know | 17% | 12% | 21% |
*see text for details: views about course of disorder show % giving a ‘yes’ response; views about risk factors show % ranking each item first or equal first.