title: Self-perceived stigmatization in female patients with anorexia nervosa--results from an explorative retrospective pilot study of adolescents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The stigma of mental illness has been identified as an important barrier to treatment and recovery. Previous research reported the stigmatization of individuals with eating disorders by both health professionals and the general public. The aim of this pilot study was to empirically assess the previous stigmatization and discrimination experiences of young female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) using a retrospective explorative approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  An in-house questionnaire that was developed to survey experiences of stigmatization was mailed to 75 former adolescent patients with AN. The mean time of assessment after discharge was 5.6 ± 1.2 years. The patients were asked to respond anonymously. The response rate was approximately 48% (n = 36).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Feelings that society held negative stereotypes of individuals with AN, concrete experiences of stigmatization and discrimination, and rejection by peers were reported. A remarkable degree of self-stigmatization, as indexed by high rates of agreement to stigmatizing statements, was detected. Approximately one third of the participants reported delayed initiation of treatment due to fear of stigmatization and discrimination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stigmatization plays a decisive role in young patients with AN and impacts their motivation to seek professional help and engage in treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the stigmatization related to eating disorders and its burden for affected patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute of History, Theory and Ethics in Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maier
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Zepf
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Herpertz-Dahlmann
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hagenah
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult