Perceived mental illness stigma and self stigma among persons treated for psychotic disorders

TL;DR

This study explores how people with psychotic disorders experience stigma and self-stigma, and how these affect their lives.

Contribution

The study investigates the relationship between perceived and internalized stigma in patients with psychotic disorders.

Findings

Stigma and self-stigma can lead to social exclusion and low self-esteem in patients.

Assessment tools like ISMI-9 and PDD will be used to measure stigma levels.

Understanding stigma is key to improving well-being in mental health patients.

Abstract

Stigma related to mental health has serious impact on persons suffering from psychiatric disorders and on their families. Self-stigma occurs when people with mental health problems internalize public attitudes, negative beliefs and stereotypes associated with psychiatric disorders. Stigma and self-stigma can affect every aspect of life and result in discrimination, social exclusion, feelings of low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and can postpone seeking help.

To examine perceived stigma and self-stigma of people treated for psychotic disorders.

We will include male and female patients older than 18 years of age, diagnosed with psychotic disorders, treated as outpatients. Assessment will include sociodemographic data, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory – 9-item Version (ISMI-9) * to measure internalized stigma of mental illness, The perceived devaluation-discrimination (PDD) scale to measure perceived stigma, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI).

We will analyse differences in ISMI and PDD scales in patients treated for psychotic disorders.

Understanding self-stigma and societal stigma associated with mental health is crucial in creating programs aimed at well-being of persons treated for psychotic disorders.

None Declared