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The correlates of stigma toward mental illness among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder
Author(s) -
Rayan Ahmad,
Mahroum Maryam Husnee,
Khasawneh Aws
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/ppc.12222
Subject(s) - mental illness , psychiatry , stigma (botany) , clinical psychology , major depressive disorder , depression (economics) , psychology , depressive symptoms , medicine , social stigma , mental health , cognition , family medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract Aim This study aims to assess the correlates of stigma toward mental illness among patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods One hundred and sixty one Jordanian outpatients suffering from MDD completed the study. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies for the intensity of depression, and the Devaluation‐Discrimination Scale to assess stigma. Results Participants reported a moderate level of perceived stigma toward mental illness. Age, perceived pain, the number of relapses, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with stigma toward mental illness among the study sample. The severity of depressive symptoms was the strongest correlate of stigma toward mental illness. Conclusions Factors associated with stigma toward mental illness should be carefully considered when implementing anti‐stigma programs for patients.