Stigma and discrimination limit access to mental health care

Bibliographic Data

ID23364013
AuthorsGraham Thornicroft (0000-0003-0662-0879)
Year2008
Volume17
Issue1
Pages14-19
Publication date2008-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEpidemiologia e Psichiatria Sociale (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1121-189X • E-ISSN: 2038-1816
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1121189x00002621
LanguageEN
Citations received79
References cited57

This editorial provides an overview of how far access to mental health care is limited by perceptions of stigma and anticipated discrimination. Globally over 70% of young people and adults with mental illness receive no treatment from healthcare staff. The rates of non-treatment are far higher in low income countries. Evidence from some descriptive studies and epidemiological surveys suggest that potent factors increasing the likelihood of treatment avoidance, or long delays before presenting for care include: (i) lack of knowledge about the features and treatability of mental illnesses; (ii) ignorance about how to access assessment and treatment; (iii) prejudice against people who have mental illness, and (iv) expectations of discrimination against people who have a diagnosis of mental illness. The associations between low rates of help seeking, and stigma and discrimination are as yet poorly understood and require more careful characterisation and analysis, providing the platform for more effective action to ensure that a greater proportion of people with mental illness are effectively treated in future.

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