Perceived barriers to mental health treatment in metropolitan China.

OBJECTIVES: This community-based study examined perceived barriers to the initiation of mental health treatment among individuals with anxiety, mood, and alcohol use disorders.

METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 5,201 respondents in Beijing and Shanghai using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Perceived barriers to initiating treatment from various health practitioners were examined among 211 individuals who met criteria for 12-month DSM-IV disorders and did not receive treatment.

RESULTS: Most respondents (92%) with DSM-IV disorders perceived a low need for treatment. Among respondents who perceived a need, 47% reported structural barriers and 83% reported attitudinal barriers. Respondents who had severe mental disorders and perceived a need reported more structural barriers (72%) than attitudinal barriers (65%). Lack of knowledge about service availability was the most common structural barrier.

CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should examine the reasons for perceived low need for treatment and other treatment barriers among people with mental disorders.