The Effect of Internalized Stigma on the Adherence to Treatment in Patients With Schizophrenia

This study was conducted to determine the effect of internalized stigma on the adherence to the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The population of the study consisted of patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM IV diagnostic criteria and compatible with the study criteria. The study was completed with 63 patients overall. The researcher used Demographics Questionnaire, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Drug Attitude Inventory and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale to gather data. Among the patients, 11.1% adhered to the treatment, and 54.0% did not. The mean score for the internalized stigma level of patients was 76.39±14.30. A positive significant relationship was found among the scales (p<0.05). The level of internalized stigma of patients with schizophrenia was determined to be high, and the internalized stigma had a negative impact on the adherence and attitude toward the treatment.