Examined attitudes toward mental disorders in rural areas of Sudan (SU) and Northern India (I) and an urban area of 50, = the Philippines (P) using standardized interviews with key informants (Ns 50, and 98, respectively). Each S knew an average of 3.6 individuals who corresponded to descriptions provided of common mental disorders. The conditions most frequently identified were mental retardation (in all 3 areas), alcohol and drug related problems (in SU and P) and acute psychosis (in I). In P, the majority of informants indicated traditional healers as the primary source of help for psychological symptoms; in all areas, people were judged to be more likely to seek help for psychological than for physical symptoms from traditional healers. Perceptions of mental illness and their consequences are presented in graphic form through "attitude profiles." Findings indicate differences in responses to the 7 mental disorders presented to the key informants through vignettes. More negative and pessimistic attitudes were found in I than in the other 2 areas.