title: Gender differences among discrimination & stigma experienced by depressive patients in Pakistan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to examine Gender Difference in the level of Discrimination and Stigma experienced by people diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in Pakistan. It was hypothesized that Women diagnosed with Depression are likely to be experiencing more Discrimination and Internalized Stigma in comparison to Men.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a Cross Sectional Study. Thirty eight patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder recruited from different Government Sector Hospitals of Lahore; were approached after obtaining informed consent. Discrimination and Stigma were measured through Discrimination and Stigma Scale and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both Men and Women experience considerably high level of associated Stigma and Discrimination due to their Mental Illness. However, Women in comparison to Men experience significantly greater level of Internalized Stigma especially in domains of Discrimination Experience and Social Withdrawal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study highlight the fact that people with Depression can be more benefited with psychological treatment if dealing with Stigma and Discrimination is also addressed in Intervention Plans.
authors: Nashi Khan, PhD.(PK), Post Doc. (UK). Assistant Professor, Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors: Nashi
authors: N
authors: Khan
authors: Rukhsana Kausar, PhD. (UK), Post Doc. (UK). Director, Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors: Rukhsana
authors: R
authors: Kausar
authors: Adeela Khalid, PhD Scholar (PU, Lahore). Lecturer, Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors: Adeela
authors: A
authors: Khalid
authors: Anum Farooq, MS Student (PU, Lahore). Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors: Anum
authors: A
authors: Farooq
keywords: Depression; Discrimination; Mental Illness; Psychological Treatment; Stigma