Comparisons of the Clinical Variables between High and Low Self-Stigma Group in the Outpatients with Schizophrenia / 대한정신분열병학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to investigate the differences of clinical variables between high and low self-stigma group in the outpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: 209 schizophrenic outpatients were assigned to high self stigma group (n=76) and low self stigma group (n=133) based on the scores of perceived stigma, and compared age, sex, education, age of onset, duration of illness, number of hospitalization, symptom, social functioning, insight, self-esteem, empowerment between two groups. RESULTS: 1) The high self-stigma group had significantly lower age of onset, higher duration of illness and number of hospitalizations compared to the low self-stigma group. 2) In the PANSS, the high self-stigma group showed significantly higher score in the total score and general symptoms compared to the low self-stigma group. No significant difference was found in the positive symptoms and negative symptoms between two groups. 3) The high self-stigma group had significantly lower empowerment and self-esteem compared to the low self-stigma group. 4) The high self-stigma group had significantly higher insight compared to the low self-stigma group. CONCLUSION: Self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia directly reduces self-esteem and empowerment, and may cause depression and a lower quality of life. Therefore, identifying self-stigma and its degree is one of the important factors for good outcome.