[Psychiatrist views on stigmatization toward people with mental illness and recommendations]

The aim of this study is to understand and discover the processes of stigmatization toward people with mental illnesses through the experience of psychiatrists. This paper focuses on the views of psychiatrists concerning the role of psychiatric diagnosis and the attitudes of general medical professionals toward people with mental illnesses, together with the recommendations of psychiatrists for dealing with the stigmatization process.

The purposive sampling technique was used in this study. Nine psychiatrists and eight assistant psychiatrists from various health institutions in Ankara were interviewed between 2006 and 2007. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The process of analysis evolved from concrete to more abstract categories.

Psychiatrists proposed different views concerning the role played by psychiatric diagnosis in stigmatization. While some do not want to write their diagnoses on prescriptions, others argue that merely changing the name of the diagnosis cannot be regarded as a solution. Most of the psychiatrists interviewed stated that stigmatizing attitudes exist among physicians. The hesitancy among physicians and ignorance displayed by emergency services were the proof given of institutionalized stigma.

It seems that psychiatrists need more time to come to an agreement concerning the role played by psychiatric diagnosis in stigmatization. Psychiatrists who participated in our research highlighted their informative and resistive role in anti-stigma strategies and proposed educational strategies for different groups in collaboration with various institutions. Concerning stigmatization in non-psychiatric health services, they proposed reorganization in medical education along with seminars for physicians and an increase of consultation-liaison.