走出误区，正确认识“精神科”（健康驿站·盘点常见健康误区④）

Core Viewpoint - The article aims to clarify common misconceptions about psychiatry and mental health, emphasizing that mental illnesses are complex medical conditions rather than personal weaknesses or character flaws [2][3][4]. Misconceptions about Mental Health - Misconception 1: Mental illness is synonymous with schizophrenia. In reality, schizophrenia is just one of many mental disorders, with more prevalent conditions being depression, anxiety, and insomnia. A 2019 epidemiological survey indicated that the lifetime prevalence of various mental disorders in China (excluding Alzheimer's disease) is 16.6%, with anxiety disorders at 7.6% and depression at 6.8% [3]. - Misconception 2: Mental illness reflects a lack of character strength. Mental disorders arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, and are closely linked to brain function abnormalities. For instance, depression is associated with serotonin dysfunction, while schizophrenia relates to dopamine imbalance [4]. - Misconception 3: Seeking psychiatric help is shameful. This stigma often stems from misconceptions equating mental illness with insanity. Mental health issues exist on a spectrum, and seeking help is a step towards recovery [5]. - Misconception 4: Only those who have experienced significant trauma develop mental illnesses. The causes of mental disorders are complex, involving both biological and environmental factors. Many patients do not have a history of major trauma before their illness [8]. - Misconception 5: Only introverted or reclusive individuals suffer from depression. Depression results from multiple factors, and personality traits are just one aspect. Extroverted individuals can also experience mental health issues due to emotional exhaustion from maintaining a façade of positivity [9]. - Misconception 6: Depression is merely feeling sad or being overly sensitive. Clinically, depression (or depressive disorder) is characterized by persistent low mood and can lead to severe symptoms, including suicidal thoughts [11]. - Misconception 7: Psychologists and psychiatrists are the same. Psychiatrists are medical professionals who can diagnose and prescribe medication, while psychologists focus on emotional and behavioral issues without prescribing medication [12][13]. - Misconception 8: Psychiatrists only prescribe medication. Their role includes accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and potentially providing psychotherapy, making them comprehensive mental health care providers [14].