From Stigma to Discrimination: an Analysis of Community Efforts to Reduce the Negative Consequences of Having a Psychiatric Disorder and Label

Discrimination related to psychiatric disorders and people diagnosed with them is receiving increased interest and attention from researchers, policy makers, and the general public. There are diverse views about how best to alter and reduce what all parties agree are personally painful, socially wasteful, and morally inexcusable practices that surround people with psychiatric disorders. We report the results of a first step national survey of noteworthy on-the-ground efforts to reduce the negative consequences of having a psychiatric disorder and label. The sample consists of nontraditional, innovative local efforts along with wellknown programs. Nominations of exemplary antistigma and antidiscrimination efforts were solicited from a national data base developed for this project. Next, an expert consensus panel selected 36 exemplary programs from among 102 nominations. A descriptive analysis and summary of the shared qualities of exemplary programs are provided.