BACKGROUND: There is little information on the degree to which self-stigma is experienced by individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depression across Europe. This study describes the levels of self-stigma, stigma resistance, empowerment and perceived discrimination reported in these groups. METHODS: Data were collected from 1182 people with bipolar disorder or depression using a mail survey with members of national mental health non-governmental organisations. RESULTS: Over one fifth of the participants (21.7%) reported moderate or high levels of self-stigma, 59.7% moderate or high stigma resistance, 63% moderate or high empowerment, and 71.6% moderate or high perceived discrimination. In a reduced multivariate model 27% of the variance in self-stigma scores, among people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depression, was accounted for by levels of empowerment, perceived discrimination, number of areas of social contact, education and employment. LIMITATIONS: Findings are limited by the use of an unweighted sample of members of mental health charity organisations which may be unrepresentative of the reference population. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that self-stigma occurs among approximately 1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder or depression in Europe. The tailoring of interventions to counteract (or fight against) the elements of self-stigma which are most problematic for the group, be they alienation, stereotype endorsement, social withdrawal or discrimination experience, may confer benefit to people with such disorders.
BACKGROUND: There is little information on the degree to which self-stigma is experienced by individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depression across Europe. This study describes the levels of self-stigma, stigma resistance, empowerment and perceived discrimination reported in these groups. METHODS: Data were collected from 1182 people with bipolar disorder or depression using a mail survey with members of national mental health non-governmental organisations. RESULTS: Over one fifth of the participants (21.7%) reported moderate or high levels of self-stigma, 59.7% moderate or high stigma resistance, 63% moderate or high empowerment, and 71.6% moderate or high perceived discrimination. In a reduced multivariate model 27% of the variance in self-stigma scores, among people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depression, was accounted for by levels of empowerment, perceived discrimination, number of areas of social contact, education and employment. LIMITATIONS: Findings are limited by the use of an unweighted sample of members of mental health charity organisations which may be unrepresentative of the reference population. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that self-stigma occurs among approximately 1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder or depression in Europe. The tailoring of interventions to counteract (or fight against) the elements of self-stigma which are most problematic for the group, be they alienation, stereotype endorsement, social withdrawal or discrimination experience, may confer benefit to people with such disorders.
Authors: Philip T Yanos; Paul H Lysaker; Steven M Silverstein; Beth Vayshenker; Lauren Gonzales; Michelle L West; David Roe Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2019-04-01 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: A Isaksson; E Corker; J Cotney; S Hamilton; V Pinfold; D Rose; N Rüsch; C Henderson; G Thornicroft; S Evans-Lacko Journal: Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci Date: 2017-05-02 Impact factor: 6.892
Authors: Robin E Gearing; Michael J MacKenzie; Rawan W Ibrahim; Kathryne B Brewer; Jude S Batayneh; Craig S J Schwalbe Journal: Community Ment Health J Date: 2014-07-16
Authors: B K Ahmedani; S P Kubiak; R C Kessler; R de Graaf; J Alonso; R Bruffaerts; Z Zarkov; M C Viana; Y Q Huang; C Hu; J A Posada-Villa; J-P Lepine; M C Angermeyer; G de Girolamo; A N Karam; M E Medina-Mora; O Gureje; F Ferry; R Sagar; J C Anthony Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2013-01-09 Impact factor: 7.723