In this article we are going to looking at the common misconceptions and stigmatization in Psychiatry.
Stigmatization in Psychiatry
Let us take a good look at the definition of stigmatization that occur in psychiatry.
This is defined as the process of assigning negative characteristics and identity to a person or group and causing tat person or group to feel unaccepted, devalued, and isolated from the larger society.
Stigmatization of The Mentally Ill
The mentally ill individuals are being subjected to stigma due to the deviance in their behaviour.
Below are some type of stigma faced by mentally ill individuals;
- they are denied meaningful association by members of the public sometimes by friends or relations.
- they are counted out when it comes t identifying persons for committed relationships like marriage
- most of them are counted out when it comes to identifying persons for committed relationships such as marriage
- some are certified uneducated, and so their sponsorship on educational institutions are regarded as waste of investment
- they face barbaric approaches to treatment and care such as flogging and starvation
- some times these negative treatments are extended to the family members of the mentally individual.
Measure Aimed At Eradicating The Stigmatization Of The Mentally Ill
The following measures are put in place to help eradicated stigmatization in psychiatry;
- public enlightenment campaigns
- improvement of the physical environment of patient
- legislation against stigmatization
- establishment of mental health clubs in schools for proper orientation
- early diagnosis and treatment of patients
- annexation of psychiatric wards to general hospitals
Misconceptions In Psychiatry
Misconception results from ignorance and superstition or wrong notions handed down by most cultures from generation to generation. Misconception about mental illness can be grouped into the following;
a. misconception regarding the causes of mental illness
b. misconception regarding manifestation
c. misconception regarding treatment and care mental illness
d. misconception regarding the out come of mental illness.
a. Misconception Regarding the Causes of Mental Illness
the traditional beliefs regarding the cause of mental illness depends on the culture, customs and values of the society. These false beliefs include;
- mental illness is caused by possession of demons and evil spirit
- mental illness is caused by failure to appease the ancestors
- mental illness is caused by going contrary t the laws of the land
- mental ilness is caused by being a member of one occult society
- mental illness is caused by bad blood inherited from the family parents
- mental illness is caused by omission of certain ceremonies and sacrifices
- mental illness is caused by violating one’s own destiny
- mental ilness is caused by witchcraft or charms
- mental illness is caused by love portion
b. Misconception Regarding Manifestation
some people believe
- that mentally ill patients experiences serious signs and symptoms at the beginning of the new moon
- that patient becomes very active and aggressive when the moon is fullest
- that when the moon if half circle shaped, the signs and symptoms disappear.
All these thus brings about the description of mentally ill patients as lunatic.
c. Misconception Regarding Treatment and Care of Mental Illness
Here most people believe
- that mental illness is not hospital business but should rather be treated natively or spiritually
- that mental ill patients should be beaten up and tortured and should not be given food
- that mentally ill patients should be tied to a tree and various concoctions should be given to them to drive away demons and evil spirits
- that he gods should be appeased
- that mental illness cannot be treated
d. Misconception Regarding The Outcome of Mental Illness
Here most people believe
- that the moment a mentally sick person enters the market square or goes about naked, such a person cannot be cured.
- that mental illness is contagious or infectious and if one come i contact with the saliva of a mentally ill patient especially epileptic patients one becomes sick too.
- that if a mentally ill person bites you that you will become sick
- that a mentally ill person cannot be useful or contribute to the growth of the society even after treatment or recovery.
- that if a person reads the bible from genesis to revelation such a person will become made
- that workers in psychiatric hospital are mentally sick.
Ways of Correcting Misconception In Psychiatry
Misconception in psychiatry can be corrected through the following ways;
- through adequate health education of the masses on the signs and symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of mental illness
- more researches should be carried out in the field of psychiatry and result of such researches made public
- there should be improved funding and equipment of health institution for effective treatment of existing cases.
- cases of mental illness should be referred only to psychiatric hospitals for proper attention
- latest developments in the field of psychiatry should be made known to the masses
- members of the public should be encouraged to visit inmates of psychiatric hospitals to see for themselves available treatment and rehabilitation measures in the hospital
- there should be proper legislation to protect the mentally sick person, example; free treatment, job security and employment
- psychiatric unit should be established in the general hospitals and community
- Family members and the community should be involved in the management of psychiatric patients.
Factors Influencing Degree of Stigmatization
- Venue of Treatment
- Severity of Illness
- Nature of Treatment
Stigmatization Associated With Mentally Ill Patients
- fears of getting close to or interacting with patient
- labeling (insane, craze, mad)
- looking down or disregarding patient’s input
- not being allowed to assume high responsibility in the society
- not employed, sacked or retired
- total neglect by family or society.
Effects of Stigmatization on Family
- Family members may not be married by members of other family
- difficulty in securing political appointment
- family members will be exposed to ridicule by the larger society
We hope this information was helpful. Feel free to ask your questions in the comment section below.