Beyond recognition: beliefs, attitudes, and help-seeking for depression and schizophrenia in Ghana

ABSTRACT Research on the beliefs and attitudes regarding specific mental disorders in Ghana is limited. A vignette study was conducted to examine the relationship between causal attributions, help-seeking, and stigma towards depression and schizophrenia using lay Ghanaians (N = 410). This adapted questionnaire presented two unlabelled vignettes about a hypothetical person with the above disorders for participants to provide their impressions. Next, participants answered questions on beliefs and attitudes regarding this person. The results showed that causal beliefs about mental disorders related to different treatment options, and stigma. Contrary to previous literature, religious belief did not negatively associate with professional help-seeking for the mental disorders. In conclusion, results suggest that integration of “idioms of distress' into mental health assessment and interventions may benefit Ghanaians. Our findings have implications for mental health literacy and anti-stigma campaigns in Ghana and other developing countries in the region.