A new research questionnaire, the Inventory of
Stigmatising Experiences, has confirmed high levels of
stigmatisation and discrimination among patients with
depression.
Major depressive disorder is one of the most
common and disabling psychiatric conditions, and patients with the
illness experience a significant amount of stigmatisation and
discrimination because of it.
This study set out to assess and evaluate
stigmatising experiences of people with depression. The Inventory
of Stigmatising Experiences takes the form of a questionnaire,
which includes both a frequency and intensity scale, and measures
the prevalence and frequency of stigmatising experiences. It also
measures the psychosocial impact of stigma.
The researchers believe that the total score
reflects the pervasiveness of stigma experienced across different
aspects of daily life. 120 patients attending a specialised
tertiary service for patients with depression were screened with
the inventory. It was found that the level of stigma and
discrimination was very high, and occurred almost universally.
Examples of some of responses received include:
“I don’t tell people because I am afraid of
what they might think about me. I feel that if I could talk more
freely about it, it might help me.”
“I think that the fear of what people will
think of me (weak, lazy, a failure) does a lot of damage to my
self-esteem which in turn makes it hard for me to want to help
myself or build confidence.”
“Friends and family didn’t have the same
expectations as I did for my getting higher education. When I was
first hospitalised they expected that education was just too lofty
a goal. The employment counsellor felt the same, directing me to
minimum wage jobs.”
“Mostly I have kept my illness separate from
my family, not discussing how I am or what I do for recovery. I
believe they have thought little enough of me that I don’t want to
add mental illness to it.”
Gender and employment status did not seem to
have a significant impact on stigma. However, earlier onset of
depression, and attendance at a hospital outpatient programme for
depression, had the strongest association with high stigma scores
both in terms of perceived stigma and total stigma.
Significant work should be undertaken to
reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with major
depression, say the researchers.
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Annual Meeting, Imperial College London 1 - 4 July 2008