Objective To examine community mental health staff' s ability to recognize common mental diseases. Methods Totally 165 mental health staff from 3 community health service institutions( CHSI) in Karamay,Harbin and Beijing city were investigated with a questionnaire. Results The correct recognition rate of depression was 79. 6% for the staff in Beijing,higher than that of in Harbin( 60. 7%)( χ2= 8. 529,P < 0. 012 5) and Karamay( 43. 6%)( χ2= 27. 395,P < 0. 001). The correct recognition rate of anxiety was 77....