How the Australian public came to think more like psychiatrists

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, a remarkable change has occurred in Australia, whereby the public have become much more like psychiatrists in their thinking. This is seen both in the everyday use of psychiatric concepts and in beliefs about appropriate treatment. This article examines evidence for this change, discusses what might have produced it, asks whether it has benefited the mental health of Australians and considers what further changes in thinking might be needed.