Experience of stigma and discrimination in families of persons with schizophrenia in the Czech Republic

Abstract

We identified several features of mental health related stigma and the ensuing discrimination in Czech Republic experienced by persons with severe mental illness and their relatives. We developed a set of recommendations for policy-makers aimed at reducing ignorance and prejudice amongst the public and professionals, improving health and social services-including employment, housing and community integration-and the provision of family support.

Experience of stigma among family members of people with severe mental illness: A qualitative systematic review

“…According to a number of studies (researches from Germany, Canada, USA, Spain, Italy, Iran, Czech Republic, and Israel), family members were well aware of the negative images and stereotypes about severe mental illness held by the public (Amsalem et al ; Angermeyer et al ; Atine ; Buizza et al ; Gonzalez‐Torres et al ; Krupchanka et al, ; O'Grady ; Shamsaei et al ). In particular, they mentioned misconceptions and a lack of information about mental illnesses among the public and inaccurate coverage by the media.…”

“…Family members reported that the public had limited or no understanding of mental illness as a result of insufficient public education (Angermeyer et al ; Atine ; Krupchanka et al, ; O'Grady ). The general public often perceived that people with mental illness, even their families, are abnormal, strange, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous, and family members further recognized that the metaphorical use of the word ‘schizophrenic’ in public contributed to the spread of negative ideas about people with mental illness (Angermeyer et al ).

With the word “stigma” –well, what comes to mind is the word “prejudice”‐based on the fact that people think that those with schizophrenia are violent, and so fear is associated with it…and that fear is extended to the family.

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“…Family members claimed that the media was largely responsible for disseminating incorrect or negative views of mental illness (Angermeyer et al ; Buizza et al ; Gonzalez‐Torres et al ; Krupchanka et al, ). They reported that the mentally ill were often described by the media as weird and dangerous, often in connection with violence and crimes.

The media never portray persons with mental illness leading a normal life or as being creative.

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“…Several studies (researches from USA, Germany, Italy, Belarus, India, and Czech Republic) discussed structural discrimination due to a perceived inadequacy of medical support, information (regarding illness, treatment, and service), and the lack of legislation applicable to people with mental illness and their family members (Angermeyer et al ; Atine ; Buizza et al ; Koschorke et al, ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al ; Muhlbauer ).…”

“…Family members perceived the poor quality of mental health care (including the lack of mental healthcare facilities, insufficient crisis support facilities, inadequate long‐term care programmes, and the lack of self‐help groups for families in communities) as the strongest form of structural discrimination (Angermeyer et al ; Atine ; Buizza et al ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al ). Participants complained that public mental health services were not well equipped to provide adequate care, and compulsory hospitalization was perceived as the worst service because of its highly stigmatizing effects (Buizza et al ; Krupchanka et al ).…”