�A elementary, illustrated leaflet can be effective in reducing negative attitudes towards people with mental illness, according to a study published in the September issue of the Psychiatric Bulletin.
Previous research has shown that negative attitudes towards people who ar mentally ill are widespread. People with schizophrenia, potomania and drug addiction are the most stigmatised of all those with mental disorder.
In this study, the researchers aimed to devise a simple proficiency to reduce stigmatised attitudes of the general public towards those with schizophrenic psychosis and nitty-gritty misuse.
Four hundred members of the public completed a questionnaire to measure stigmatised attitudes towards people with schizophrenic psychosis and substance misuse. Participants were so split into two groups.
The control group received simple descriptions of cases of schizophrenic psychosis, drug dependency or potomania. For deterrent example: "John was injecting heroin daily for one twelvemonth."
The experimental group standard a short 'upbeat' booklet with a description of a patient in remission, accompanied by a photograph of smartly-dressed male model. For model: "Chris was injecting heroin daily for one year. He is now in treatment and he is not exploitation heroin or any former illegal drugs. He is working full-time."
Results were received for 310 participants (77%). The leaflet produced a heavy and statistically significant decrease in stigmatised attitudes towards people with drug dependence and alcohol dependence, only less so towards the great unwashed with schizophrenic disorder.
The researchers suggest this is possibly because people have a more generous attitude towards patients world Health Organization have defeat substance pervert disorders. In contrast, people with schizophrenia tend not to be held responsible for their condition, and are hence not given credit for recovering from illness.
Nonetheless, the researchers conclude that it is worthwhile promoting positive images of mass with content misuse disorders who ar in recovery, in an attempt to reduce mark. Such leaflets could be used widely on a population basis, or targeted to specific groups such as employers or landlords.
Reference:
"The repentant evildoer: methods to reduce stigmatised attitudes towards mental unwellness"
Luty J, Rao H, Arokiadass SMR, Easow JM and Sarkhel A (2008)
Psychiatric Bulletin, 32: 327-332
Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We encourage mental health by:
- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
- Improving discernment through enquiry and education Department
- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
- Working with patients, carers and their organisations
Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Sunday 7 September 2008
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