Self-stigma in PTSD: Prevalence and correlates

Abstract

Self-stigma is the internalization of negative societal stereotypes about those with mental illnesses. While self-stigma has been carefully characterized in severe mental disorders, like schizophrenia, the field has yet to examine the prevalence and correlates of self-stigma in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, we assessed self-stigma in veterans diagnosed with PTSD and compared with veterans with schizophrenia. We further examined associations between PTSD, depressive symptoms and self-stigma in the PTSD sample. Data came from two larger studies of people with PTSD (n = 46) and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n = 82). All participants completed the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS). Results revealed that people with schizophrenia report more experiences of discrimination as a result of stigma than do those with PTSD, but these diagnostic groups did not differ for other subscales. In the PTSD group, feelings of alienation positively correlated with PTSD and depressive symptoms; other subscales positively correlated with depressive symptoms only. Taken together, results suggest a significant level of self-stigma exists among veterans with PTSD, and that self-stigma has an effect on PTSD and commonly comorbid symptoms, like depression. Future work should investigate whether current self-stigma interventions for other groups could be applicable for those with PTSD.

A Meta‐Analytic Review of the Association Between Alienation Appraisals and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Trauma‐Exposed Adults

“…The results of the quality assessment highlight several strengths of the included studies; eight out of nine included studies were judged to have a low risk of bias (Babcock Fenerci & DePrince, 2018;Bonfils et al, 2018;Brondolo et al, 2017;DePrince et al, 2011;Dutra, Callahan, Forman, Mendelsohn, & Herman, 2008;Kamphuis et al, 2003;Mehnert et al, 2012;Mitchell et al, 2018). The strengths of these studies included a grounding in an explicit theoretical framework, clear aims, good fit between stated research questions and methods of data collection and statistical analysis, and critical discussion of strengths and limitations.…”

Correlates of Stigma in People with Epilepsy

“…Self-stigma is prevalent in patients with PTSD and has an effect on common comorbid symptoms, such as depression. 39 There is some evidence that PTSD is itself a risk factor for epilepsy. 40 While our findings need to be interpreted cautiously given the small number of individuals with PTSD (n=13) in this sample, it might be beneficial to screen for PTSD in addition to depression given the availability of evidence-based approaches that can help ameliorate PTSD symptoms.…”

Out With The Old, In With The New: A Nuanced Approach To Self-Stigma Among Veterans

“…Cognitive techniques have the potential to reduce veteran self-stigma because they allow for reappraising the legitimacy of stereotypes. Despite the promise of the approach to utilize cognitive techniques, minimal research proposes strategies to reduce selfstigma among veterans (Bonfils et al, 2018;Dickstein et al, 2010;Mittal et al, 2013).…”