Stigma Towards People Living with Co-occurring Schizophrenia Spectrum and Substance Use Disorders: A Scoping Review

Abstract

AbstractThis scoping review mapped the extant research literature examining stigma towards people living with co-occurring schizophrenia spectrum and substance use disorders (SZSUD). Five online databases were searched for research published before September 2023. Eighteen relevant studies were identified, including six from the perspective of people living with SZSUD and 12 exploring public stigma towards the conditions. The majority of studies (n = 11) explored stigma from care providers, including healthcare, mental healthcare, and addiction clinicians and carers. In general, responses to people living with SZSUD were more negative than towards people living with either condition alone. People living with SZSUD identified numerous challenges associated with experienced, anticipated, internalised, and perceived stigma. Additional research is required to determine the extent and scope of the stigma faced by people living with SZSUD and how stigma manifests in other types of interpersonal relationships. Implications and additional recommendations for future research are discussed.