Psychiatrists' stigma towards individuals with schizophrenia

Authors

  • Alexandre Andrade Loch Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Michael Pascal Hengartner Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich; Departamento de Psiquiatria Geral e Social
  • Francisco Bevilacqua Guarniero Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Fabio Lorea Lawson Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Yuan-Pang Wang Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Wagner Farid Gattaz Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Wulf Rössler University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832011000500001

Keywords:

Stigma, stereotypes, prejudice, social distance, schizophrenia, mental health professionals

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Literature on how the general population stigmatizes individuals with mental disorders has increased considerably over the last decades. But the question remains if psychiatrists also stigmatize their patients. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess Brazilian psychiatrists' attitude towards individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: Out of the approximately 6,000 participants of the 2009 National Psychiatry Congress in Brazil, 1,414 psychiatrists agreed to undergo the survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a questionnaire that assessed stigma in three dimensions: stereotypes, social distance and prejudice towards a person with schizophrenia. Their opinion on psychotropic drugs and tolerance of side-effects were also assessed. Socio-demographic and professional data were collected. RESULTS: Brazilian psychiatrists tend to negatively stereotype individuals with schizophrenia. More negative stereotypes correlated with a positive opinion on psychotropic drugs and with a higher tolerance of side-effects. Higher age was correlated with positive stereotyping and with less prejudice. DISCUSSION: Psychiatrists stigmatize individuals with schizophrenia and possibly find it difficulty admit this fact. Anti-stigma campaigns among mental health professionals should be promoted.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2011-01-01

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 5 (2011)

Section

Original Articles

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Psychiatrists’ stigma towards individuals with schizophrenia . (2011). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 38(5), 173-177. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832011000500001