["Open the doors"--the antistigma program of the World Psychiatric Association].

The stigma attaching to mental illness and psychiatry, and the resulting discrimination of people with mental disorders are major obstacles to early and successful treatment. The current antistigma program "Open the Doors" of the World Psychiatric Association, currently being implemented in 26 countries is aimed at reducing the stigma attached to, and discrimination against, schizophrenia. Since 1999 the program has been running in 7 project centers in Germany. Information programs for the public, and measures aimed at specific target groups will, it is hoped, improve knowledge about the causes, nature and therapeutic options in schizophrenic disorders, and break down prejudices and negative attitudes, thus facilitating the social rehabilitation of those affected.