The authors evaluated the impact of a Mental Illness Awareness Week
program on the attitudes of adolescents attending public school toward
seeking help for mental health problems and toward psychiatrists. Most
students involved in the program liked it and indicated that they were
interested in learning more about mental health topics. Students in the
program showed more favorable attitudes toward seeking help and toward
psychiatrists than a comparison group of students who did not participate
in the program. The authors discuss the evidence for enduring effects of
the program. The results support continued development of Mental Illness
Awareness Week programs for adolescents in the public schools.Abstract Teaser