A population-based cluster survey on stroke disorders was conducted for the first time in the city of Calcutta, India. The population surveyed totaled 50,291. The crude prevalence rate of stroke was 147/100,000 (age-adjusted prevalence 334/100,000). The annual incidence rate of stroke for the year 1998–1999 was 36/100,000 (age-adjusted annual incidence rate 105/100,000). Women outnumbered men regarding stroke prevalence in all age groups except in the 50- to 69-year age group. There were relatively more cases of cerebral haemorrhage in our study, compared to those in the western countries. Case-control analysis found hypertension to be the most significant risk factor for stroke.

Aims and MethodTo devise a simple technique to reduce stigmatised attitudes of the general public towards those with mental disorder (schizophrenia and substance misuse). Members of the general public (n=400) completed a questionnaire to measure stigmatised attitudes towards people with schizophrenia and substance misuse disorders. Participants were randomised to receive either a short, ‘upbeat’ leaflet with a description of a patient in remission and a photograph of a man in a business suit; or a simple description of a fictional patient. the 5-item Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used to measure the effect of the various procedures on stigmatised attitudes (score range −10 to +10).ResultsResults were received for 310 (77%) participants. the leaflet produced a large, statistically significant reduction in stigmatised attitudes towards people with opiate dependence (effect size 1.53, CI 1.23–1.82, P < 0.0001; median change 4 units) and alcohol dependence (effect size 1.41, CI 1.12–1.70, P < 0.0001; median change 4 units) but less so towards people with schizophrenia (effect size 0.54, CI 0.27–0.80, P=0.0002; median change 2 units). There was no difference between participants in respect of the control group at 4-week follow-up (233 responses received; 78% response rate).Clinical ImplicationsA short illustrated leaflet can be used to reduce stigmatised attitudes towards substance misuse disorders if patients are presented in a positive manner. This is less effective for attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, possibly because people have a more generous attitude towards patients who have overcome substance misuse disorders.

Aims and MethodTo assess the effect of factsheets from the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Changing Minds campaign on stigmatised attitudes of members of the general public towards those with mental illness. Participants were recruited at random from a panel of over 1200 members of the general population and presented with questionnaires containing single-page factsheets adapted from the Changing Minds campaign describing schizophrenia or substance use disorders. The Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used to measure the effect on stigmatised attitudes.ResultsIn total 200 questionnaires were distributed; 158 completed questionnaires were received (response rate 79%). The AMIQ scores for the alcoholism and schizophrenia vignettes did not differ between experimental and control groups. Fidelity questions included in the questionnaire indicated that participants had read and understood the factsheets.Clinical ImplicationsDidactic factsheets produced for the Changing Minds campaign were largely ineffective at changing stigmatised attitudes towards schizophrenia and alcoholism.

: The symptoms of ADHD in adults can be reliably assessed by self-report instruments.