A multimedia program to educate the public about mental and addictive disorders

The Mental Health Studios is an interactive multimedia program designed to educate the public about the biological basis of mental and addictive disorders. Using sound, text, graphics, charts, and video, the software provides detailed scientific information about the brain and depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. An evaluation study of a permanent display at the St. Louis Science Center revealed that most visitors spent less than 5 min with the computer program but nevertheless demonstrated significant changes in attitude toward people with mental and addictive disorders. Senior high-school students who interacted with the program for 20 min experienced even greater attitude changes, and their knowledge about mental and addictive disorders also increased significantly.