Almost three quarters of Scots (72%) believe there is a problem with stigmatization of serious mental illness in the country, according to research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The YouGov poll of 1,067 people also found that a similar percentage, 73%, felt there was a lack of awareness or education and the same percentage said there were still misconceptions about mental illness serious.

The survey also found that less than half of Scots (45%) believed the public had a better understanding of serious mental illness today than five years ago.

In 2021, 16,200 people suffered from schizophrenia in Scotland, while 52,697 suffered from bipolar disorder and 20,104 from eating disorders, the university highlighted. The college is also expected to embark on a campaign to educate policymakers ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections.

Dr Jane Morris, president of the Scottish college, said: “These figures speak for themselves – we still struggle to understand what serious mental illness actually is.

“Over the past few decades, there have been many efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses such as anxiety and mild depression, but our survey shows that there is still more to be done to correct the myths and lack of knowledge about serious mental illnesses, in particular. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe OCD and comparable conditions,” she added.

Meanwhile, deaths from drugs and alcohol in Scotland remain among the worst in Europe, despite increased spending to tackle the problem, according to a major auditors’ report.

A national mission into drug deaths was announced in 2021 and spending increased last year to £161.1 million, more than double the 2014 figure.

However, the Audit Scotland report says there has been no analysis of the cost-effectiveness of drug and alcohol services.

Progress in improving services has been mixed, he said, with the workforce under “immense pressure”.

Scotland’s drug death rate is the highest in Europe, according to the latest available data. At 27.7 per 100,000 people, this figure is almost three times that of the next highest country, Ireland.

Professor Susanna Galea-Singer, Chair of the Addiction Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “It is a shame for Scotland that drug and alcohol-related deaths continue to remain the highest in the world. Europe. Every death from addiction is an absolute tragedy for the family and loved ones left behind.

“Alcohol and drug-related hospital admissions are high and indicate that this population group is seeking treatment – ​​but there are no robust plans to provide addiction care and treatment to these people and their families – while they are in our hospitals.

“It is clear from this report that this situation cannot continue, what we need is a bold and coherent plan,” added Professor Susanna Galea-Singer.