Stigma in dual diagnosis: A narrative review

Stigma has been described as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular person, quality, or a circumstance. Persons with either psychiatric illness or substance use disorders, their family members, caregivers, as well as health professionals engaged in the management of these persons are subject to stigma. Interestingly, there is a high prevalence of substance use disorders among persons with psychiatric disorders and vice versa. However, only a limited literature has focused on stigma in the context of co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders. The current review is aimed at the presentation of various aspects of stigma in the context of dual diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders. Findings on the published literature on stigma in the context of psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders have been examined separately to develop an understanding into the relevance and implication of addressing stigma in the context of dual diagnosis.