Adolescent mental health literacy: Young people's knowledge of depression and help seeking

This Study examined the mental health literacy of a group of adolescents, with particular reference to their ability to recognize symptoms of depression in their peers. Respondents were 202 Australian adolescents (122 males, 80 females) aged 15-17 years. Their mental health literacy was examined through a questionnaire that presented them with five scenarios or young people. Respondents showed a mixed ability to correctly recognize and label depression, although they were able to differentiate depressed and nondepressed scenarios in terms of severity and expected recovery time. Results are discussed in light of findings from adult mental health literacy and clinical implications. (c) 2005 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.