Internalized stigma among patients with common mental disorders in South India

Common mental disorders (CMDs), include depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, which are highly prevalent. There exists a huge stigma around mental health, and this challenge becomes further magnified in CMDs, especially in LMICs like India. Despite this burden, there is limited scientific evidence on the internalized stigma in CMDs. To address this evidence gap, this study aims to describe internalized stigma and its correlates among patients with CMDs attending the Psychiatry Outpatient Department (OPD) of an academic teaching hospital in South India.

A structured socio-demographic and morbidity questionnaire, along with the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale, was administered to 119 patients aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with CMDs according to ICD-10 criteria. Patients with severe mental disorders and psychosis, epilepsy, intellectual disability, organic mental disorders, and those requiring hospital admissions, were excluded from the study.

A mild to moderate level of internalized stigma was reported among patients with common mental disorders. Age and history of suicidal thought were significant predictors of internalized stigma.

Youth and those who have a history of suicidal thoughts tend to experience greater internalized stigma. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address internalized stigma, which includes a combination of education and awareness programs, peer support programs, psychotherapy, and medication adherence. Addressing stigma can positively influence help-seeking behavior, treatment compliance, and outcomes, thereby improving quality of life.