Public Attitudes Toward Psychological, Pharmacological and Alternative Treatments for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health disorders, yet many individuals do not seek or remain engaged in treatment. Public attitudes toward treatment may influence help-seeking and adherence. This study examined attitudes toward psychological, pharmacological, and alternative treatments for anxiety and depression, and explored differences in attitudes across gender and age groups. A total of 163 participants of ages 16 or older completed a questionnaire distributed via social media. Results indicated more favorable attitudes toward talk-based therapy, which was perceived as the most effective treatment across domains, including symptom reduction and addressing underlying causes. Pharmacological treatment was viewed more ambivalently, with participants recognizing its effectiveness for symptom relief but expressing skepticism about its ability to address root causes. Alternative treatments showed varied acceptance, with meditation and breathing exercises viewed positively, while mind-altering substances were evaluated negatively. No significant differences were observed between genders or across age groups. These findings suggest that treatment attitudes may be shaped not only by perceived effectiveness, but also by beliefs about how different treatments work. Keywords: anxiety, depression, treatment attitudes, psychological treatment, pharmacological treatment, alternative treatments

Authors dc:creator

• Arnar Óli Sigþórsson 2001-
• Róbert Orri Ragnarsson 2002-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Sálfræði
• Kvíði
• Þunglyndi
• Viðhorf
• Sálfræðiþjónusta
• Lyfjameðferð
• Óhefðbundnar lækningar
• Psychology
• Anxiety
• Depression, Mental
• Attitude (Psychology)
• Chemotherapy
• Alternative medicine

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/53442

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/53442