Public Beliefs and Perception of Mental Disorders in Poland-A 2025 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Background/Objectives: Globally, one in eight people live with a mental disorder, with depression being a leading cause of disability. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic factors associated with public belief and perception of mental disorders among adults in Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a self-prepared questionnaire (5-point Likert scale) was administered to a nationally representative quota sample of 1114 Polish adults (March 2025). The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method was applied. Results: A cross-sectional survey of 1114 adults found that 23.2% had visited psychiatrists, 15.9% psychotherapists, and 21.1% reported a family history of mental disorders. Most respondents (73.8%) believed employers are reluctant to hire individuals with mental disorders, and 53.8% perceived discrimination. Additionally, 19.4% thought mental health patients receive lower-quality care than those with physical illnesses like diabetes. Respondents from large cities (≥500,000 residents, aOR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.11-2.51; p = 0.01), with higher education (aOR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.26-2.07; p < 0.001), or a family history of mental disorders (p < 0.05) were more likely to hold this view. Higher education (aOR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.11-1.94; p = 0.01), good economic status (aOR: 1.60; 1.06-2.40; p = 0.02), and personal psychiatric experience (aOR: 1.89; 95%CI: 1.24-2.87; p = 0.003) increased belief in treatment effectiveness. Males (aOR: 1.88; 95%CI: 1.36-2.61; p < 0.001) and medium-city residents (aOR: 1.82; 95%CI: 1.01-3.27; p = 0.04) more often perceived mental disorders as a sign of weakness, while women (aOR: 1.74; 95%CI: 1.36-2.22; p < 0.001) and those with affected relatives (p < 0.05) more frequently reported discrimination. Older respondents (p < 0.05), those with higher education (aOR: 1.65), and individuals with a family history of mental disorders (p < 0.05) were more likely to state that employers fear hiring people with psychiatric conditions. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for public health interventions to reduce stigma, improve awareness, and address misconceptions about mental disorders in Poland.