The economic impact of mental health stigma and discrimination: a systematic review.
People with mental illness face stigma and discrimination in a variety of settings which can have an economic impact.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper was to identify literature on the economic impact of mental illness stigma.


METHODS
A systematic review of the literature identified 30 papers from 27 studies by searching electronic databases and hand searching reference lists.


RESULTS
Mental illness stigma/discrimination was found to impact negatively on employment, income, public views about resource allocation and healthcare costs.


CONCLUSIONS
Stigma and discrimination regarding mental health problems lead to adverse economic effects for people with these conditions. Interventions that reduce stigma may therefore also be economically beneficial.
Centre for the Economics of Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, United Kingdom.
Jessica
J
Sharac
Paul
P
McCrone
Sarah
S
Clement
Graham
G
Thornicroft
D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics*; D011287:Prejudice; D013240:Stereotyping