Factors Effecting Internalized Stigma in Major Depressive Disorder and Effects of Internalized Stigma on Functioning

OBJECT？VE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors modifying the internalized stigma in the patients with major depression. Also this study aimed to determine the impact of the internalized stigma on functioning of the patients. METHOD: The participants of the study consisted of 76 patients who were admitted to Department of Psychiatry of Ankara University Hospital, and had a diagnosis of major depression according to DSM-V criteria. Sociodemographic form arranged by researcher, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) were applied to the patients to evaluate severity of the symptoms. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Collected data were analysed via student’s t-test, One-Way ANOVA and correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference between men and women in Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale scores (p:0,251). There was a significant positive correlation between age and ISMI scale scores (r:0,444, p<0,01). There was a significant negative correlation between educational status and ISMI scale scores (r:-0,485, p<0,01). There was a significant positive correlation between Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D) scores and ISMI scale scores (r:0,667, p<0,01). No relationship was found between Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) scores and ISMI scale scores (p=0,455). When the relationship between marital status and ISMI scale scores was evaluated, it was found that divorced/widowed patients have higher ISMI scale scores than married or single patients (p<0,01). There was no difference between married and single patients (p=0,196). When the relationship between working status and ISMI scale scores were evaluated, it was found that retired patients have higher ISMI scale scores than unemployed or working patients (p<0,01). There was no difference between unemployed or working patients (p=0,222). There was a significant positive correlation between Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) scores and ISMI scale scores (r:0,507, p<0,01). CONCLUS？ON: There is no difference between men and women in internalized stigmatization It might be clinically important to evaluate elders about internalized stigmatization since they have higher scores. Education may play a key role in reducing self stigmatization since ISMI score are inversely proportional with education level. Positive correlation between ISMI scores and the severity of the depression shows us that. treatment of the depression will lead to decrease in