Service-Related Needs and Opinions of People With Schizophrenia in Hungary

Stigma and discrimination against people with schizophrenia related to medical services

“…More than 17% of patients experienced discrimination when treated with physical problems, which can contribute to inappropriate results when treating the physical symptoms of people with schizophrenia and also to patients avoiding medical services (Harangozó et al, 2005; Leucht et al, 2007; Mitchell & Mallone, 2006; Salokangas, 2007). Professionals in mental health services often believe that they do a lot to reduce stigma.…”

“…The fact that physical diseases are even more prevalent in people living in the community compared with those living in hospitals (Salokangas, 2007) supports the idea that patients are less likely to receive adequate care, or even have difficulty accessing general medical services (Maj, 2009; Prince, 2007). A survey among 200 people with schizophrenia in Hungary showed that only 56% of patients had ever used a general practitioner (GP), while 28% had wished to but did not receive that service (Harangozó, Döme & Kristóf, 2005).…”