Perceptions of Stigma and Discrimination among Individuals Experiencing a First-Episode of Psychosis

Individuals experiencing a first-episode of psychosis (FEP) report detrimental effects as a result of stigma, which can create barriers to help-seeking and recovery. While there is some research on stigma in FEP, little is known with regard to how exposure to illness-related stigma may vary by race and ethnicity among individuals with FEP. For this study, individuals with FEP completed an assessment of exposure to stigma and discrimination upon enrollment in one of two Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) clinics. Responses were analyzed to determine the most common stigma and discrimination experiences endorsed by those with FEP. The vast majority of individuals reported exposure to stigma (98%) and discrimination (98%) due to their psychotic disorder prior to enrollment in the CSC program. Rates of exposure to mental health stigma and discrimination did not vary by race or ethnicity among study participants. Additionally, there was no relationship between duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), exposure to stigma, and discrimination among study participants. The results suggest that exposure to mental health stigma and discrimination may, unfortunately, be the norm among individuals early in the course of psychotic disorder. While these findings did not vary by race or ethnicity, future research designed to unpack the intersectionality between race, ethnicity, and mental illness remains an important area of study.