Perceived Stigma Toward Cognitive Impairment Among People With Schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Stigma toward schizophrenia spectrum disorders is pervasive and negatively influences service access and delivery. Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) is common, but its association with stigma is unknown. In this study, the authors examined whether individuals with CIAS receiving cognitive remediation treatment report experiencing CIAS-related stigma and sought to establish associations between CIAS-related stigma and recovery-relevant outcomes. METHODS: Data from 48 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses were drawn from a larger study evaluating cognitive remediation. Participants completed measures of CIAS-related stigma, internalized mental illness stigma, self-perceived cognitive impairment, cognitive performance, and interviewer-rated quality of life. RESULTS: CIAS-related stigma was commonly reported and significantly positively associated with internalized stigma and self-perceived cognitive impairment. CIAS-related stigma was also significantly negatively associated with motivation to engage in goal-directed behavior and daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: CIAS-related stigma exists and warrants additional exploration with regard to implications for psychiatric service delivery.