Public opinion on a number of mental health issues has become more positive, but some less favourable views still exist, a survey from The NHS Information Centre (NHS IC) suggests today.

Findings from Attitudes to Mental Illness 2011, a survey carried out for the first time in England 17 years ago, suggest more people now view mental health as an illness like any other.

But less favourable views on some issues still exist – for example, one in six people believe a main cause of mental illness is lack of self discipline and will-power, about the same level as first reported in 1994.

Of the 1,741 adults interviewed in February and March 2011 for the survey:

• 77 per cent said ‘mental illness is an illness like any other' compared to 71 per cent in 1994.
• 70 per cent would be comfortable talking to their family and friends about their mental health, compared to 66 per cent in 2009 (the first year this question was asked)
• 43 per cent would be uncomfortable talking their employer about their mental health, compared to 50 per cent in 2010 (the first year this question was asked).

Despite this reported increase in positive views, some people surveyed hold a less favourable view of people with mental health issues:

• Only one in four would trust a woman who had ever been in a mental hospital to babysit a child.
• 17 per cent think having a mental health facility in a residential area downgraded the neighbourhood
• 16 per cent believe one of the main causes of mental illness is lack of self-discipline and will-power.

The NHS Information Centre chief executive Tim Straughan said: “This report paints a mixed picture of attitudes towards people with mental health issues, which may be of particular interest given the number of high-profile awareness campaigns and celebrity stories about this subject.

“While the percentage of people who would feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member about their mental health has increased in recent times, the report also highlights less favourable views that still exist in the population – for example, one in six people believe a main cause of mental illness is lack of self discipline and will-power, about the same level as first reported in 1994.”

The report is at www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/attitudestomi11

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The NHS Information Centre is England's authoritative, independent source of health and social care information. It works with a wide range of health and social care providers nationwide to provide the facts and figures that help the NHS and social services run effectively. Its role is to collect data, analyse it and convert it into useful information which helps providers improve their services and supports academics, researchers, regulators and policymakers in their work. The NHS Information Centre also produces a wide range of statistical publications each year across a number of areas including: primary care, health and lifestyles, screening, hospital care, population and geography, social care and workforce and pay statistics.

2. This report presents the findings of a survey of attitudes towards mental illness among adults in England. Questions on this topic have been asked since 1994. Surveys were initially carried out annually, then every three years from 1997-2003. Surveys have again been carried out annually since 2007. The aim of these surveys is to monitor changes in public attitudes towards mental illness over time. 1,741 adults (aged 16+) were interviewed in England in February/March 2011. Responses have been weighted, to be more reflective of the population overall.

3. The questionnaire included a number of statements about mental illness. Respondents were asked to indicate how much they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Other questions covered a range of other topics including descriptions of people with mental illness, relationships with people with mental health problems, personal experience of mental illness, and perceptions of mental health-related stigma and discrimination.

4. All survey estimates have a sampling error attached to them, calculated from the variability of the observations in the sample. From this, a margin of error (confidence interval) is derived. It is this confidence interval, rather than the estimate itself, that is used to make statements about the likely ‘true' value in the population and determine the statistical significance of any changes.

5. For media enquires please call 0845 257 6990 or email mediaenquiries@ic.nhs.uk