Task 7

Step 1:

Review the video by Paige Freeman on “Rewriting the Stigma of Mental Illness”

Explore the article http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/6/1/65    “Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it”

Answer the following questions: What is the biggest consequence for your family of your loved one’s having a mental illness? How long did it take your loved one to seek mental health treatment once the need became apparent? What kept him/her from seeking treatment earlier?  What motivated him/her to seek treatment? 

Step 2:

The Role of Diagnosis in Stigma   Psychiatry has devoted years of research and clinical study to identifying and naming clusters of behaviors/problems as specific disorders. 

When classificationsystems emerge, researchers can study the clinical phenomena and develop effective treatments. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (currently in its 4th revision) contains specific criteria sets for many psychiatric diagnoses. 

Labels can also provide a useful, normalizing function for the consumer and family. Individuals often feel reassured when diagnosed with a condition because they know theyre not alone and 

feel more understood. 

However, labels/diagnoses can have negative consequences as well: 

Write Paper :  How can diagnoses or labels reinforce stigma?