Abstract
BackgroundStigma and discrimination are proposed as critical factors contributing to the underuse of mental health services amongst young people, however these influences remain understudied. Existing research on stigma experienced by young people has focused on individuals in contact with mental health services or with a psychiatric diagnosis. Using a community sample, this study investigates subjective accounts of stigma during the early stages of mental health difficulties with regards to how disclosure and coping are considered, and how help-seeking is approached.MethodsIn-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with young people from a Greater London, UK, community cohort. Purposive sampling criteria were used to recruit participants who reported early psychopathology of a persisting nature (emotional and/or behavioural difficulties at a clinical level, and psychotic-like symptoms), thus representing young people at-risk of developing psychiatric disorder. 29 young people aged 12-18 years took part in the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data.ResultsIn-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with young people from a Greater London, UK, community cohort. Purposive sampling criteria were used to recruit participants who reported early psychopathology of a persisting nature (emotional and/or behavioural difficulties at a clinical level, and psychotic-like symptoms), thus representing young people at-risk of developing psychiatric disorder. 29 young people aged 12-18 years took part in the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data.Discussion“Conditional disclosure” is central to how young people cope with their difficulties. Often stigma-related concerns in particular contributed to restricted disclosure, in this way delaying young people’s initial help-seeking when difficulties emerge.
Highlights
Much anti-stigma work suggests that reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy could improve access to care and support for people with psychotic disorders
This is important given that increasing help-seeking, especially during the early stages of psychosis could reduce the substantial delays to care experienced by people with psychotic disorders
Little is known about levels of personal stigma and mental health literacy among young people at-risk of psychotic disorders, whether there are differences between young people with and without elevated risk for psychosis and how this is associated with actual help-seeking for individuals at-risk of developing psychotic disorders
Summary
Stigma and discrimination are proposed as critical factors contributing to the underuse of mental health services amongst young people, these influences remain understudied. Existing research on stigma experienced by young people has focused on individuals in contact with mental health services or with a psychiatric diagnosis. This study investigates subjective accounts of stigma during the early stages of mental health difficulties with regards to how disclosure and coping are considered, and how help-seeking is approached. Methods: In-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with young people from a Greater London, UK, community cohort. Results: In-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with young people from a Greater London, UK, community cohort. Often stigma-related concerns in particular contributed to restricted disclosure, in this way delaying young people’s initial help-seeking when difficulties emerge
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