Evaluating the efficacy of an intervention to reduce the impact of stigma in adults with Mood and/or Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of a group-based, psychoeducational and behavioural modification intervention, Overcoming Stigma in Mood and Anxiety Disorders, to reduce the impact of mental-illness-related stigma. Methods. This pretest-posttest design measured changes to various psychosocial impacts of stigma for participants with Mood and/or Anxiety Disorders using a modified 12-item Stigma Impact Scale from the Inventory of Stigma Experiences. Results. Participants of the Overcoming Stigma in Mood and Anxiety Disorders intervention reported a significant decrease to five of the twelve stigma impact items, including self-esteem, social contacts, personal goals, family relationships and physical health. Conclusion. The results of this study are encouraging. A multicentre, three-armed randomized control trial is recommended to test the efficacy of the intervention with control groups. This is another important step towards developing evidence-based interventions to overcome self-stigma and manage social stigma to have a full and meaningful life.