Stigma 2023

  depression and anxiety neuroses and psychoses addiction antisocial disorders Many people with serious mental illness are challenged doubly.  On one hand, they struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from the disease.  On the other, they are challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about mental illness.  As a result of both, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life: good jobs, safe housing, satisfactory health care, and affiliation with a diverse group of people.  The impact of stigma is twofold, as outlined in Table  ​ Table1. 1 .  Public stigma is the reaction that the general population has to people with mental illness.  Self-stigma is the prejudice which people with mental illness turn against themselves.  Both public and self-stigma may be understood in terms of three components: stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.  Social psych...

  The Stigma of Dementia!    (click here for PDF) Kinds of Stigma Self Stigma Public Stigma Courtesy Stigma all apply to our understanding of Alzheimers and dementia. Link & Phelan: Condistions for stigmatization labeling stereotyping seapration status loss discrimination Does Diagnosis help or hurt? The Negative consequences of labeling  Step 1: Diagnosis internalization of negative cultural images (dangerous, incompetant) Step 2: Defensive Behaviors expect others to reject them so they act in order to prevent this Double Whammy! Stigma and Old Age cognitively impaired (decision making impaired) crazy!!!! (mental illness) physically frail old fashioned grumpy cheap unattractive dying/decline dependence loss of sexuality Stress Related Stigma stress of stigmatization can lead to other stress related illnesses stress can increase symptomology of dementia focus on scary late stages of dementia fear of institutionalization courtesy stigma and family problems Alzheim...