Attitudes toward mental illness: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

This collaborative study by the CDC and others examined public perceptions regarding whether treatment for mental illness is effective, and whether people are caring and sympathetic toward people with mental illness. Examination of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System found that most adults (>80%) in the states surveyed agreed that treatment for mental illness is effective, but substantially fewer adults (35%–67%) agreed that people are caring and sympathetic to people with mental illness. The study paralleled the release of a SAMHSA national campaign, What a Difference a Friend Makes, designed to help young adults support friends with a mental health problem.