Abstract
Objective: We assessed the prevalence of perceived stigma among persons with mental disorders and chronic physical conditions in an international study. Method: Perceived stigma (reporting health-related embarrassment and discrimination) was assessed among adults reporting significant disability. Mental disorders were assessed with Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) 3.0. Chronic conditions were ascertained by self-report. Household-residing adults (80 737) participated in 17 population surveys in 16 countries. Results: Perceived stigma was present in 13.5% (22.1% in developing and 11.7% in developed countries). Suffering from a depressive or an anxiety disorder (vs. no mental disorder) was associated with about a twofold increase in the likelihood of stigma, while comorbid depression and anxiety was even more strongly associated (OR 3.4, 95%CI 2.7-4.2). Chronic physical conditions showed a much lower association. Conclusion: Perceived stigma is frequent and strongly associated with mental disorders worldwide. Efforts to alleviate stigma among individuals with comorbid depression and anxiety are needed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 305-314 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2008 |
Keywords
- Disability evaluation
- Epidemiology
- Health surveys
- Mental disorders
- Stereotyping/stigmatization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Neuroscience(all)