The stigma of schizophrenia: a transcultural problem

Psychiatric stigma is an increasingly important topic for research, public health campaigns, clinical care, advocacy, and policy development. This paper reviews recent western and non-western global studies on the stigmatization of schizophrenia. The perspective is transcultural. The findings attest to the ubiquity and complexity of the sources, consequences, functions, and management of psychiatric stigma. There is not much evidence that stigma can be effectively reduced. Because education is only one strategy, an inter-sectoral effort is required to reduce stigma and enable pertinent research findings to formulate the development of mental health policy. Key recommendations for enhancing further research are illustrated.