[Stigma in psychiatry]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Mental illness affects 48.9% of the Moroccan population.
• Stigma and social rejection are significant issues for patients with mental disorders.
• Lack of recognition exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness in Morocco.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and impact of mental illness in Morocco.
• To assess the level of stigma experienced by patients with mental disorders.
• To understand the sociodemographic factors associated with mental illness and stigma.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study was conducted at the Ibn Nafiss psychiatric hospital in Marrakech.
• A sample of 100 stabilized outpatients with depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia was included.
• Data were collected using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, disease knowledge, and stigma experiences.

Main Results:

• The study included patients aged 19-68 years, with a predominance of women and 60% single status.
• 59% of patients had not completed primary education.
• Endocrine pathologies were common in personal medical history, while depression was prevalent in family psychiatric history. Patients reported significant discrimination across social, family, and professional spheres.

Conclusions:

• Mental illness is highly prevalent in Morocco, yet remains under-recognized, leading to substantial stigma.
• Sociodemographic factors, including lower educational attainment, are associated with mental illness.
• Patients experience widespread discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and support systems.