Conceptualization of psychiatric illness and help-seeking behavior among Chinese

Problem conceptualizations of Chinese psychiatric patients were studied in relation to the patterns of help-seeking and ways of coping. Patients who conceptualized their initial problems in purely psychological terms were more likely to use self-directed psychological coping methods, delay initial professional consultation, and approach mental health professionals. Patients who used only somatic concepts were least likely to approach mental health professionals initially or any time during their previous consultation history, and tended to approach medical resources to cope with their problems. Patients who conceptualized their problems in mixed terms approached professional help early on and reached psychiatric resources soonest. These results provide a clearer perspective to understand the somatization tendency among Chinese patients.