Experience and the meaning of stigma in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their families: A qualitative study

Aim This study aimed to explore the experiences of stigma in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their families. Methods This qualitative content analysis study was carried out in 2016-2017 in a psychiatric hospital in Tehran, Iran. A total of 16 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their families were chosen purposefully. In order to collect the data, unstructured interviews were conducted. For the data analysis, an inductive content analysis approach was used. Results The data analysis led to the formation of two categories, "being socially rejected" and "being oppressed by others," and nine subcategories. In being socially rejected, others do not have a desire to communicate and start or continue cohabitation with the patients and their families and stay at a distance from them with fear. In being oppressed by others, persons behave aggressively with the patients and their families, violate their rights, and humiliate and ridicule them with their incorrect judgment. Conclusions Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their families have the unpleasant and upsetting experiences of stigma. This problem imposes pressures and extreme difficulties on them, besides the difficulties related to the nature and the symptoms of the disorder. The findings reveals the need to develop strategies to help patients and their families effectively encounter stigma.