A Comparative Study of Internalized Stigma in Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder in Remission

Abstract

Background: Internalized stigma experienced by individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder dramatically affects their overall quality of life. While several studies have explored this topic, there remains a scarcity of research comparing internalized stigma across both these illnesses. We investigated and compared how internalized stigma is associated with different socio-demographic factors among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in remission. Aim: To carry out a comparative study of the internalized stigma experienced by patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in remission. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 patients with schizophrenia and 53 with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in remission underwent assessment using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Results: The study revealed that internalized stigma was significantly more ( p value = .0001) in patients with schizophrenia (84.84 ± 6.02) compared to those with BPAD (78.55 ± 6.07). Further analysis of the ISMIS domains revealed significant correlations between internalized stigma and stereotype endorsement ( p value = .005), stigma resistance ( p value = .009), social withdrawal ( p value = .0001), and alienation ( p value = .0001). Conclusion: The study suggests that individuals with schizophrenia experience higher levels of internalized stigma in comparison to those with BPAD.