Pharmacopsychiatry 2004; 37(4): 152-156
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-827169
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Public Attitudes Towards Psychotropic Drugs: Have there been any Changes in Recent Years?

M. C. Angermeyer1 , H. Matschinger1
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 27.1.2003 Revised: 2.4.2003

Accepted: 16.4.2003

Publication Date:
01 July 2004 (online)

Background: Two representative surveys conducted in the early 1990 s found very negative views on psychotropic medication among the German public. The question arises whether this reservation about drug treatment of mental disorders has persisted over the following decade, or whether there have been any changes. Furthermore, it will be examined whether the preexisting differences between East and West Germany can still be observed. Methods: In 2001, a representative survey was conducted among the German population aged 18 years and older, using the same instrument for the assessment of perceived effects of psychotropic medication as in a previous survey in 1990. Results: As expected, in 2001, those questioned were more ready to acknowledge beneficial effects of drug treatment. However, contrary to our expectation, the difference between East and West Germany has persisted, with people in the East still being more sceptical in their assessment of drug effects. Conclusion: Although public attitudes towards psychotropic drugs have improved somewhat over the last decade, the actual situation is far from being satisfying. Further efforts to improve public knowledge about the psychopharmacotherapy of mental disorders are needed.

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Matthias C. Angermeyer, M.D.

Department of Psychiatry

University of Leipzig

Johannisstr. 20

04317 Leipzig

Germany

Phone: +49 341 972 4530

Fax: +49 341 972 4539

Email: krausem@medizin.uni-leipzig.de