About the Study
Mental health conditions can be associated with internalized stigma, which may affect an individual’s self-perception, social participation and overall quality of life. This study compared internalized stigma among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder who were in remission.
Objective
The study aimed to assess and compare levels of internalized stigma among individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in remission and to explore the relationship between internalized stigma and selected socio-demographic and clinical factors.
Study Method
This was a hospital-based, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in a psychiatry outpatient department at a tertiary healthcare facility in rural central India.
The study included 159 participants:
- 106 patients with schizophrenia
- 53 patients with bipolar affective disorder
Participants were between 18 and 60 years of age. The researchers used established assessment tools including the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS).
Key Findings
The study found that internalized stigma was significantly higher among patients with schizophrenia compared with patients with bipolar affective disorder.
Mean ISMIS score:
- Schizophrenia: 84.84 ± 6.02
- Bipolar Affective Disorder: 78.55 ± 6.07
The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = .0001).
Significant differences were also observed in several domains of internalized stigma, including social withdrawal, stereotype endorsement, alienation and stigma resistance.
Why This Research Matters
Internalized stigma is closely associated with disability and poorer functioning among people with mental health conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating stigma-reduction strategies into comprehensive psychiatric care.
Conclusion
The study highlights that individuals with schizophrenia typically experience higher levels of internalized stigma compared with individuals with bipolar affective disorder in remission.
The findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions to address stigma and support better functioning, quality of life and overall mental health outcomes.
Publication Details
Authors:
Shraddha Rajendra Borhade, Kshirod Kumar Mishra & Sally John
Journal:
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine
Volume: 47
Issue: 2
Pages: 160–165
Published Online: 12 April 2024
Print Issue: March 2025