[Stigmatization towards schizophrenia and other mental illnesses].
BACKGROUND
Stigma surrounding mental illness is one of the main barriers for patients' reintegration into the community. Stigmatization is a social process characterized by different kinds of prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination.


METHODS
A review and synthesis of articles about mental illness stigmatization published in Medline in the past two decades was done. Key areas were identified and grouped under specific categories.


CONCLUSIONS
Schizophrenia is one of the mental illnesses that is most affected by stigmatization. The more private and closer the situation is, the more rejection is to be expected. The rate for public rejection increases with the closeness and intimacy in the relationship. People with a psychiatric illness are disadvantaged with regard to housing and employment opportunities. Public in general is not well informed about mental disorders distinct features. The influence of social desirability in the obtained responses leads to a discrepancy between participants' attitudes expressed in the survey and their actual behavior. An important methodological challenge persists due to the fact that only behavioral intentions have been assessed, not how people actually behave. Patients' involvement in the planning and development of social interventions is essential for their success.
Lolich
María
M
Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Palermo. lolichm@yahoo.com.ar
Leiderman
Eduardo A
EA
D001290:Attitude; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012559:Schizophrenia; D013240:Stereotyping