The Effects of Treatment Type on Stigma Towards Those With Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Stigma surrounding mental illness oftentimes compounds the issues being struggled with, and makes help seeking and recovery more difficult. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that accepting treatment for a mental disorder increases stigma sufferers face. This paper extends that line of research to investigate the precise sources of stigma individuals with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face, and whether that stigma depends on the type of treatment sought. It was predicted that both type of mental illness and type of treatment obtained would effect the magnitude and nature of stigma sufferers faced. It was also predicted that type of treatment would moderate the relationship between type of illness and stigma. In a study of 905 participants, a moderation effect was found for stigma relating to social distance and parenting among others. Specific sources of stigma for depression and PTSD are isolated within this paper, with the finding that there is a broader array of stigmas against individuals with PTSD. Finally, it was found that psychotherapy generally produces greater stigma than medicinal treatment or no treatment.