Hispanics know little about mental illnesses.

A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found a significant lack of knowledge and understanding among Hispanics about the warning signs, causes, and effective treatments for mental illnesses, such as depression. Two in five Hispanics—42 percent—report knowing only a little or almost nothing at all about mental illnesses. But asked whether they would benefit from knowing more about the warning signs of mental illnesses, 84 percent said yes.

“The consequences of this gap in knowledge are quite serious,” said Pedro Ruiz, M.D., president of the APA . “About one-in-five Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder during any given year. This means few families are untouched by a mental illness. Across all races and cultures, families will benefit from understanding how these disorders can impact their lives.”

The survey also showed that 88 percent of Hispanics say it is important to have a medical degree when it comes to being able to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. “As Medical Doctors, Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to evaluate your physical and mental state, Ruiz said. Medical Doctors are trained to make the right diagnosis and to treat your mind and body. We are committed to assist Hispanic populations in eliminating myths about mental illness.”

Ruiz noted that advances in medical science have led to new and innovative treatments that help people live full and productive lives. ““Mental Illnesses are real–and–treatable.

Today we know more than ever about how the brain works and how it affects overall health,” Ruiz said.

“We need to make sure Hispanics get the benefit of these discoveries, and that means dispelling myths and providing the facts so that people get the help they need. We really can help Hispanics have healthy minds so they can enjoy healthy lives.”

Indeed treatments for mental illnesses are effective. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently found the rate of successful treatment for depression (70-80 percent) compares favorably to the rate for other chronic illnesses, such as heart disease (45-50 percent). The survey showed that many Americans do not understand that common mental illnesses can be successfully treated most of the time.

“Left untreated, mental illnesses can take an enormous toll on family life, the workplace, and society as a whole,” Ruiz said. Mental disorders comprise four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. and the economic burden of depression alone was estimated at $83 billion in 2000.

Additional Findings

— Stigma persists: Thirty-seven percent of Hispanic adults surveyed say that friends may not seek treatment because of a fear of what others may think.

— Mental health groups and the media can help with positive images: Majorities of Hispanic adults surveyed say positive stories in the news media about mental illnesses (60 percent) and positive portrayals of people with mental illnesses in television programs and movies (64 percent) would have “quite a lot” or “some” influence in overcoming the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

— The causes of mental illnesses are genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events, and other physical illnesses and injuries that have psychiatric side effects: Over one-third of Hispanics mistakenly think that emotional or personal weakness is a major cause of mental illnesses and almost as many think old age is a major cause (27 percent).

“The most important point is for people to understand that mental illnesses are real and highly treatable,” said Ruiz. “Through the APA’s ‘Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives.’ campaign, we are providing the most up-to-date, science-based information on common mental health concerns, warning signs, where to turn for help, and treatment options.”

For professional help, people can turn to their primary care physician or a psychiatrist.

As medical doctors, psychiatrists specialize in how the brain works. They are the only mental health practitioners who are trained in the biological workings of the mind and body.

About the American Psychiatric Association:
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose more than 37,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses including substance use disorders. Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives. Care that works to get your mind healthy again so you can lead a healthy life.

Learn more by visiting the APA’s consumer Web site at http://www.HealthyMinds.org