scholarly journals ‘You don't bring me flowers any more’: an investigation into the experience of stigma by psychiatric in-patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 371-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna S. Bromley ◽  
Sara J. Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
The Status ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relapse Rates

Aims and MethodA structured interview-based questionnaire was used to measure the number of cards and gifts received by 40 people undergoing psychiatric in-patient treatment, compared with an age- and gender-matched group of medical in-patients. The study also assessed the amount of disclosure of admission and diagnosis to family and friends in the two groups.ResultsThe psychiatric patients received about half as many cards as the medical patients (60 v. 112). Gifts to the psychiatric patients were often practical in nature and seldom included luxury items such as flowers. Disclosure of admission for mental illness (compared with the physical illness group) was significantly lower, both to family members (139 v. 193, P=0.041) and friends (74 v. 332, P=0.0001).Clinical ImplicationsThe stigma of mental illness is reflected in the secrecy surrounding disclosure of hospital admission and the lack of tokens of support. Clinicians should be aware of the resulting sense of isolation and shame, and the consequences for mental health in view of reduced social networks increasing the risk of future relapse rates. Reduced contact with mentally ill patients has implications for society as a whole in maintaining the status quo of stigma.

scholarly journals Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness and Its Relation with Self- Esteem and Social Support among Psychiatric Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Amany A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Stigma Score ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness

Context: Mentally ill patients challenging dual difficulties that are illness and stigma. Internalized stigma viewed as maladaptive psychosocial phenomena that can affect all aspects of mentally ill patient life. Aim: The current study emerged aiming to assess internalized stigma of mental illness and its relation with self-esteem and social support among psychiatric patients. Methods: Descriptive research design used to achieve the aim of this study. A convenience sample of one hundred hospitalized psychiatric patients recruited for the study from inpatient units of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Hospital in Minia governorate. The data collection tools included socio-demographic and clinical data questionnaire, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Rosenberg's Self Esteem Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: The findings show that less than half of patients have a severe level of total internalized stigma score. There is a highly significant correlation between overall internalized stigma score and its all subscales with self-esteem and social support. Conclusions: Internalized stigma level was high among psychiatric patients. A significant negative correlation found between total internalized stigma score with self-esteem and social support of the studied patients. The study recommended further studies regarding educational interventions to raise awareness and decrease internalized stigma among patient with mental illness. Besides, providing support for patient and families of mentally ill patients to promote their capacity to manage and cope with stigma. 

Children's Attitudes toward Mental Illness as Assessed by the Opinions about Mental Illness Scale

1985 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 251-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Franchot Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Elementary School Age ◽  
The Public ◽  
Children's Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Toward Mental Illness ◽  
Opinions About Mental Illness

Research on attitudes toward mental illness held by the public, by mental health professionals and personnel, and by psychiatric patients and their families is substantial. Little attention has been given to children's attitudes toward mental illness and the mentally ill, so this exploratory-descriptive study examined the developmental trends of children's attitudes toward the mentally ill. An adaptation of the Opinions About Mental Illness Scale was given to 512 elementary school age children who were placed in Grades 2, 4, 6, and 8. It was determined that with increasing grade/age children took a less authoritarian attitude toward the mentally ill and viewed mentally ill persons as more like themselves. Children rook an increasingly parernalistic view of the mentally ill, were less likely to see mental illness as an illness like any other, perceived mental patients as less of a threat to society and needing fewer restrictions. Finally, with increasing age/grade children perceived mental illness as less likely attributable to inadequate, deprived or interpersonal experiences. Results were discussed in terms of a relatively increased “positive attitude” and the relative acceptance and rejection of the mentally ill.

scholarly journals Dual Diagnosis as a Tool for Therapists and Social Workers

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Andrzej Lipczyński ◽  
Jarosław Kinal ◽  
Institute of Sociology University of Rzeszow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽  
Psychoactive Substances

The problem of dual diagnosis described as the first in Poland Lehmann in 1993. He noticed that for people with dual diagnosis is needed different diagnostic and therapeutic-specific approach and that social services (Lehman, 2000; Le hman 1993; Lehman, Myers 1994). Clinical experience suggests the need for a clear separation of this group of patients from both patients and the mentally ill odwykowo. T HAT approach allows to carry out homogeneous diagnostic psychiatric patients. Such ayodrębnienie It is dictated by the difficulties of diagnostic and therapeutic (Siegfried 1998; Sciacca 1991; Lehman, 1998). One clinical term for such a diverse group of patients do not permit a homogeneous diagnostic tests and determine the needs, problems and medical treatment and social services. Interest in this group of patients is not only due to cognitive reasons, but also due to the increasing number of people with dual diagnosis, more effective treatment and social assistance. Another reason is the rapidly growing number of people with PD. This group represents a challenge for physicians, social workers (Crome, Myton 2004; Lehman 2000; Alaja, Sepia1998).Clinical studies confirm the phenomenon of interactivity in which a mentally ill person is at high risk of developing mood-dependent dependence, particularly alcohol and those who are at high risk for mental illness (Lehman 2000).Dual diagnosis is the term defining the clinical coexistence in the same person from one side of a mental disorder, and disorders related to psychoactive substances, mostly drugs and / or alcohol (Abel-Saleh 2004; Crome, Myton 2004). The population of patients with dual diagnosis is large and varies widely in type and severity of the mental illness, the type of psychoactive agents and specific disorders resulting from the adoption of psychoactive substances, psychological and social skills which is obtained support and other factors (Lehman 1996; Ridgely 1987), such as schizophrenia. Severe mental illness (severe mental illness) as a concept which takes into account the clinical diagnosis (diagnosis) the degree of impairment of (disability) and duration of disorder (duration). This criterion includes serious mental breakdowns such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression. These disorders seriously impair people-to-people contact, self-care. Treatment of people with dual diagnosis is a problem because it results from the combination of two extremely different ways of dealing with mental illness and addiction.

scholarly journals Dual Diagnosis as a Tool for Therapists and Social Workers

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Andrzej Lipczyński ◽  
Jarosław Kinal ◽  
Institute of Sociology University of Rzeszow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽  
Psychoactive Substances

The problem of dual diagnosis described as the first in Poland Lehmann in 1993. He noticed that for people with dual diagnosis is needed different diagnostic and therapeutic-specific approach and that social services (Lehman, 2000; Le hman 1993; Lehman, Myers 1994). Clinical experience suggests the need for a clear separation of this group of patients from both patients and the mentally ill odwykowo. T HAT approach allows to carry out homogeneous diagnostic psychiatric patients. Such ayodrębnienie It is dictated by the difficulties of diagnostic and therapeutic (Siegfried 1998; Sciacca 1991; Lehman, 1998). One clinical term for such a diverse group of patients do not permit a homogeneous diagnostic tests and determine the needs, problems and medical treatment and social services. Interest in this group of patients is not only due to cognitive reasons, but also due to the increasing number of people with dual diagnosis, more effective treatment and social assistance. Another reason is the rapidly growing number of people with PD. This group represents a challenge for physicians, social workers (Crome, Myton 2004; Lehman 2000; Alaja, Sepia1998).Clinical studies confirm the phenomenon of interactivity in which a mentally ill person is at high risk of developing mood-dependent dependence, particularly alcohol and those who are at high risk for mental illness (Lehman 2000).Dual diagnosis is the term defining the clinical coexistence in the same person from one side of a mental disorder, and disorders related to psychoactive substances, mostly drugs and / or alcohol (Abel-Saleh 2004; Crome, Myton 2004). The population of patients with dual diagnosis is large and varies widely in type and severity of the mental illness, the type of psychoactive agents and specific disorders resulting from the adoption of psychoactive substances, psychological and social skills which is obtained support and other factors (Lehman 1996; Ridgely 1987), such as schizophrenia. Severe mental illness (severe mental illness) as a concept which takes into account the clinical diagnosis (diagnosis) the degree of impairment of (disability) and duration of disorder (duration). This criterion includes serious mental breakdowns such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression. These disorders seriously impair people-to-people contact, self-care. Treatment of people with dual diagnosis is a problem because it results from the combination of two extremely different ways of dealing with mental illness and addiction.

Mental illness and moral panic: a qualitative study of perceptions of a lnk between violent crime and mental illness

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 529-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Faruqui
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Violent Crime ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Moral Panic ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Mentally Ill Offenders ◽  
List Type ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness

IntroductionThe crime committed by mentally ill offenders has continued to attract higher degrees of media interest and concerns over public safety.ObjectivesTo explore study participants’ views over public perceptions of mental illness, and psychiatric illness and violent crime link.AimsTo study public percetions of mental illness.MethodsThe study was coducted using a qualitative research design, using audi-taped, semi-structured interviews of 8 University students and healthcare professionals. Qualitative research themes and categories were obtained through qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts.ResultsQualitative categories were obtained using open, axial, and selective coding of transcribed data. The analysis identified a public fear of mental illness displaying in rejection of mentally ill and through expressive communication using stigmatizing language. The study identified that the public sources of knowledge about mental illness are derived from family and peer contact and also through media exposure rather than formal learning opportunities in schools.The study highlights the need for a public policy debate on harmful effects of social stigma of mental illness and further need for ongoing attempts to educate general public and policy makers. Three major categories emerged through this process are:.1.Negative media portrayal of mental illness2.Sufferer stigma and caraer burden3.Mental illness and Moral PanicThe study identified that an atmosphere of moral panic exists against mental illness and that this moral panic is reflected in media coverage of crime by mentally ill offenders.ConclusionsStudy confirms negative public perceptions and stigma of mental illness.

scholarly journals Psychiatric, psychological and ethical determinants of the phenomenon of self-stigmatization of mental illness – literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-69
Author(s):  
Ewelina Soroka ◽  
Marian Zdzisław Stepulak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Moral Obligation ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Topical Issue ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Psychological Assistance ◽  
Continue Therapy

AbstractIntroduction: In psychiatry and psychology stigmatization consists in labelling a person suffering from a disorder with the stigma of mental illness, associated with numerous negative stereotypes that are established in both individual and social mentality.Objective: The aim of the present article is to present the phenomenon of self-stigma from the perspective of psychiatric patients, including patients suffering from schizophrenia, to scientific consideration.The state of knowledge: The available data on this subject suggests that schizophrenia is particularly stigmatized, and the degree of stigmatization of patients with this diagnosis is worsening. Self-stigma plays a significant role in various areas of patients’ lives, sometimes discouraging them to continue therapy. Psychiatric patients have to face not only the symptoms of their disorders, but also stigmatization. In the event patient’s self-stigmatization of mental illness occurs, a responsible psychiatrist and psychologist conducting the therapy has the moral obligation to supervise the process of psychiatric and psychological assistance in the context of the aforelisted issues.Conclusions: The problem of self-stigmatization of a psychiatric patients is a topical issue that is well worth further exploration in order to better understand and help patients more effectively.

scholarly journals Madness in the Archives: Anonymity, Ethics, and Mental Health History Research

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Wright ◽  
Renée Saucier
Keyword(s):  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Formal Institutions ◽  
Health History ◽  
Professional Discretion ◽  
The Status ◽  
Mental Health History ◽  
The Many

Historians have long been vexed by the challenges of using patient records as primary sources. Lurking behind the many methodological and interpretative challenges are ethical questions involving the status and identity of the dead patient. What rights do the deceased maintain over their medical records? What ethical obligations do researchers have in analyzing these historical records and, in particular, to preserving the anonymity of patients? Do professional duties diminish the further back one goes in time? Do patients suffering from mental distress differ from other “medical” patients in the ethical regard owed to them? Now that we know about the care of the mentally ill outside of formal institutions during the era of the asylum, is there something intrinsically different about the status of individuals once they entered formal institutions? Or do the designations of “lunacy” or “idiocy” on extramural death certificates or in census enumerators’ schedules oblige a similar professional discretion? Is the concern over confidentiality giving way to a new emphasis on returning names (and agency) to vulnerable groups in the past? This paper explores these questions, ones that lie at the heart of what we do as historians of disability, medicine, and society.

Public attitudes towards mental patients: a comparison between Novosibirsk, Bratislava and German cities

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 436-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg Schomerus ◽  
Herbert Matschinger ◽  
Denis Kenzin ◽  
Peter Breier ◽  
Matthias C. Angermeyer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Mental Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Reform ◽  
German Cities

AbstractPurpose– It is commonly assumed that reforms in the sector of psychiatric care have contributed to reducing the stigma attached to mental illness. In order to examine whether a relation between the psychiatric care set-up and stigmatisation of the patients exists we compared public attitudes towards mental patients in three countries at differing stages of progress in psychiatric reform.Methods– Population surveys on public attitudes towards mental patients were conducted in Novosibirsk (Russia) and Bratislava (Slovakia). The data were compared with those from a population survey that had recently been carried out in Germany. In all three surveys the same sampling procedure and fully structured interview were used. Public attitude towards mental patients was elicited using a perceived devaluation-discrimination measure.Results– Psychiatric patients face considerable rejection in all three locations in question. Overall, the degree of perceived devaluation and discrimination was similar in all countries with a significant, but marginal tendency towards stronger devaluation of mental patients in Germany.Conclusion– Our results do not support a strong relationship between psychiatric reform and mental illness stigma.

Managing offenders with psychiatric disorders in general psychiatric services

2012 ◽  
pp. 2009-2014
Author(s):  
James R. P. Ogloff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Services ◽  
Mentally Ill Offenders ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
General Community

It has been shown that the prevalence of mental illness among those in the criminal justice system is significantly greater than that found in the general community. As presented in Chapter 11.4, for example, the per capita rate of psychotic illness in prisons is approximately 10 times greater than that found in the general community. Tragically, relatively few services exist that provide continuity of mental health care between gaols and the community. This produces a situation where individuals whose mental illness may have been identified and treated in gaol find themselves without services in the community. Typically, only when in crisis do they find their way into general psychiatric services either in community settings or in hospital. This situation has produced considerable stress on already taxed mental health services. Given the prevalence of offence histories among psychiatric patients, it is important for mental health professionals to be aware of the unique issues—and myths—that accompany patients with offence histories. At the outset it is important to emphasize that the duty of mental health services is to address mental health issues. That ought to be the focus of mental health services. As this chapter makes clear, though, for some patients, there is a relationship between the mental illness and offending and by addressing the mental illness, the risk of re-offending might well be reduced. Moreover, many of the ancillary issues that lead to relapse and destability in psychiatric patients also may lead to offending. Addressing these issues will both help provide long-term stability for patients and will help reduce their risk of offending. As a result, there is a need for general mental health services to acquire expertize to identify and manage patients with offending histories. This chapter will provide information about the relative risk of offending among psychiatric patients and the relationship (or lack thereof) of inpatient aggression and community-based violence and offending. A framework will be provided for assessing and treating patients with offending histories and issues using a typology of mentally ill offenders. The role of forensic mental health services in bolstering general psychiatric services, and in sometimes providing primary care for mentally ill offenders, will also be discussed.

Constructing Mental Illness as Dangerous: A Pilot Study

1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Wilson ◽  
Raymond Nairn ◽  
John Coverdale ◽  
Aroha Panapa
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Prime Time ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Television Production ◽  
Sound Effects ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Cutting Point

Objective: There is a dearth of studies examining how dangerousness is constructed in media depictions of mentally ill individuals who are frequently portrayed as acting violently. The aim of the present study was to identify the contribution of diverse technical, semiotic and discursive resources utilised in portraying a character with a mental illness in a prime-time drama as dangerous. Method: Discourse analytic techniques, involving systematic, repeated, critical viewings, were applied to a single program drawn from a sample of prime-time television drama episodes touching on mental illness. Results: Nine devices (appearance, music and sound effects, lighting, language, intercutting, jump-cutting, point of view shots, horror conventions and intertextuality) were identified as contributing to the signified dangerousness of person receiving care in the community for a mental illness. Conclusions: These techniques combine in signifying mental illness and a person suffering from it as dangerous. The findings suggest that mental health professionals working to reduce the stigma of mental illness need to have a reasonably sophisticated understanding of the practices and priorities of television production if they are to collaborate effectively with producers to create dramas that convey more human and sympathetic understandings of mental illness or to combat the negative effects of such portrayals.

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