Mental health literacy among Internet users

Background: Intervening early in the course of psychotic illness may improve the long-term outcome. Early intervention requires early recognition, and one factor that influences early recognition is the level of mental health literacy (MHL) in the population. Aim: To investigate the level of MHL regarding depression and psychosis in an Irish population. Method: We invited the registered users of Ireland's most popular community website (http://www.boards.ie) to participate in an online survey. Two standardized vignettes depicting depression and psychosis were presented, and respondents were asked about what they thought the conditions were and who might be best placed to help the person. Participants were asked a series of knowledge-based questions about psychosis. Results: Nine hundred and ninety-eight (770 males, 228 females) people participated. Using a case vignette model, 78% and 93% of respondents correctly identified depression and psychosis/schizophrenia, respectively. However, half of the participants described schizophrenia as a 'split personality disorder'. Neither age nor urbanicity influenced the probability of correctly identifying the diagnosis, but females and university students were more likely to correctly identify the diagnosis. More than 90% believed intervening early in psychosis is likely to improve outcome. Conclusion: The Internet users in this survey have high levels of MHL, identify appropriate pathways to care, and their views on management are consistent with evidence-based treatments. © 2008 The Authors Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.