A Comparative Study Of Internalized Stigma And Its Correlates Among Different Psychiatric Disorders In Remission

Introduction: Stigma is the negative stereotyping and bias a person with mental illness is subjected to. Internalized stigma is a part of personal stigma and occurs by internalizing the public stigma. There are a number of reported consequences of internalized stigma that play a role in recovery and rehabilitation. The commonly reported consequences are the loss of self-esteem and self-efficacy, disempowerment, demoralization, loss of income and non-adherence to medication Aims and Objectives:To study and compare the internalized stigma among patients with schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders in remission.  To understand the clinical and sociodemographic correlates of the same. Materials and Methods:A total of 120 outpatients fulfilling criteria for the study were taken. Semi -structured proforma for sociodemographic and clinical variables and the internalized stigma of mental illness (ISMI) scale for internalized stigma were used. Results:60% showed stigma. 23% showed moderate stigma. Females and patients who were involuntarily admitted had significantly more stigma. Stigma however did not differ significantly among the various diagnostic groups. Conclusion: A significant number of females and involuntarily admitted patients irrespective of their diagnosis experienced internalized stigma.