Internalized Stigma and its correlates amongst patients with Common Mental Disorders

Introduction: Mental Health is a crucial component of the Sustainable Development Goals. Common Mental Disorders are an umbrella term inclusive of mood disorders, neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders, according to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10 (ICD-10). Internalized stigma in psychiatric patients not only impacts their self-esteem and quality of life but also influences the individual’s treatment and health-seeking behavior. Thus, stigma is a significant barrier influenced by various socio-demographic and clinical variables. This study explored the level of internalized stigma perceived by patients and the association between self-stigma and the socio-demographic as well as clinical profile of the patient. Materials and Methods: A structured socio-demographic proforma and morbidity proforma, and the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale were administered to 119 patients above 18 years with different Common Mental Disorders per ICD-10 criteria. This cross-sectional study included patients from the OPD service of a tertiary care hospital. Patients with epilepsy, intellectual disability, organic mental disorders, and those requiring hospital admissions were excluded. Results: A mild to moderate level of stigma was reported in patients with common mental disorders. The mean scores across the domains of alienation, discrimination, social withdrawal, and stigma resistance were highest in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders. Age, age of onset of disease, history of suicidal ideation, and attempt were significant predictors of self-stigma. Strong correlations were found between various domains of stigma. Conclusion: Stigma can act as a barrier to addressing the burden of global mental health, influencing treatment and health-seeking behavior. Knowledge of self-stigma and its contributing factors will help us understand the extent of internalized stigma present in patients, aiding in interventions to reduce internalized stigma.