An Integrative Cognitive Model of Internalized Stigma in Psychosis

Background: Internalized stigma is a significant difficulty for those who experience psychosis, but it has never been conceptualized using cognitive theory. Aims: The aim of this paper is to outline a cognitive model conceptualizing internalized stigma experienced by people who also experience psychosis. Method: Previous literature is reviewed, critiqued and synthesized to develop the model. It draws upon previous social cognitive models of internalized stigma and integrates cognitive behavioural theory and social mentality theory. Results: This paper identifies key cognitive, behavioural and emotional processes that contribute to the development and maintenance of internalized stigma, whilst also recognizing the central importance of cultural context in creating negative stereotypes of psychosis. Moreover, therapeutic strategies to alleviate internalized stigma are identified. A case example is explored and a formulation and brief intervention plan was developed in order to illustrate the model in practice. Conclusion: An integrative cognitive model is presented, which can be used to develop individualized case formulations, which can guide cognitive behavioural interventions targeting internalized stigma in those who experience psychosis. More research is required to examine the efficacy of such interventions. In addition, it is imperative to continue to research interventions that create change in stigma at a societal level

Key competencies for the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapies for psychosis in acute psychiatric inpatient settings: A Delphi study of therapists’ views

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is the psychological therapy recommended for people with psychosis and can start in the acute phase. However, there is not consensus on how CBTp should be delivered in an acute mental health inpatient setting. This study aimed to gain consensus from therapists on how CBTp should be delivered in this context. A two stage Delphi study was conducted to establish consensus on what the core components are of inpatient CBTp from the perspective of therapists who are experts in the field. Forty-five therapists took part in two rounds of rating statements on the areas of engagement and feedback, assessment and model, formulation, change strategies, homework and principles and values. A final list of 114 statements were included, which were rated as essential or important by ≥80% of respondents. The delivery of inpatient CBTp is dependent on several adaptations to traditional CBTp including indirect work, being more flexible with session content and delivery, and making adaptations to the restrictive environment. These recommendations could inform training, competency frameworks, and delivery of CBTp in inpatient settings

Acute Inpatients’ Experiences of Stigma From Psychosis: A Qualitative Exploration.

Stigma is a common difficulty for those who experience psychosis as they are viewed as most dangerous, unpredictable, and least likely to recover. In particular, experiences of stigma are yet to be explored with inpatients admitted to psychiatric hospital. The aim of this study was to examine subjective experiences of stigma with acute psychiatric inpatients who experience psychosis. Twenty-five psychiatric inpatients with experiences of psychosis were interviewed using a semistructured interview measure to examine their subjective experiences of stigma. The interview schedule enquired about their experiences of stigma and discrimination and the personal impacts this has had. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The analysis identified 3 superordinate themes: ‘stigmatizing social environment and networks,’ ‘stigmatized person with psychosis,’ and ‘stigma interactions.’ These themes reflected experiences of stigma during the inpatient stay as well as in the community. A graphical representation of these themes and their interaction was developed. Stigma is a concern for acute psychiatric inpatients with psychosis. This concern should be explored in future research, and where appropriate addressed during admission to an acute psychiatric inpatient hospital

Psychosocial interventions for internalised stigma in people with a schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis: A systematic narrative synthesis and meta-analysis

It is acknowledged that people with a schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis experience higher levels of stigma compared to any other mental health diagnosis. As a consequence, their experience of internalised stigma is likely to be the most detrimental and pervasive. Internalised stigma interventions have shown some benefits in those who experience serious mental illness including those with a schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis. A systematic narrative review and meta-analysis were conducted examining the efficacy of internalised stigma interventions for people with a schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis. Randomised Controlled Trials, controlled trials, and cohort studies were included and assessed against quality criteria. The search identified 12 studies; 7 randomised controlled trials, 3 cohort studies and 2 controlled trials. A variety of psychosocial interventions were utilised with the majority employing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation and social skills training. The core outcomes used to examine the efficacy of the intervention were internalised stigma, self-esteem, empowerment, and functioning. The meta-analysis revealed an improvement in internalised stigma favouring the internalised stigma intervention but was not significant (5 RCTs, n = 200). Self-efficacy and insight were significantly improved favouring the internalised stigma intervention. Internalised stigma interventions show promise in those with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses. Existing interventions have demonstrated small effects and employed small samples. Large scale RCTs are required to further develop the evidence base of more targeted interventions

Semi-structured Interview Measure of Stigma (SIMS) in psychosis: Assessment of psychometric properties

Stigma is a significant difficulty for people who experience psychosis. To date, there have been no outcome measures developed to examine stigma exclusively in people with psychosis. The aim of this study was develop and validate a semi-structured interview measure of stigma (SIMS) in psychosis. The SIMS is an eleven item measure of stigma developed in consultation with service users who have experienced psychosis. 79 participants with experience of psychosis were recruited for the purposes of this study. They were administered the SIMS alongside a battery of other relevant outcome measures to examine reliability and validity. A one-factor solution was identified for the SIMS which encompassed all ten rateable items. The measure met all reliability and validity criteria and illustrated good internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, test retest reliability, criterion validity, construct validity, sensitivity to change and had no floor or ceiling effects. The SIMS is a reliable and valid measure of stigma in psychosis. It may be more engaging and acceptable than other stigma measures due to its semi-structured interview format

Social identification, identity integration and wellbeing in people who hear voices

Objectives Hearing voices is associated with public stigma and this can influence readiness to identify as a voice hearer (VH) and psychological wellbeing. In this study, we investigated the relationships between a VH social identity, the integration of that identity with other important social identities and wellbeing. Design Cross-sectional study, with a subset of longitudinal data across three time points. Methods People who self-identified as voice hearers completed questionnaires (VH social identity, identity integration, wellbeing and perceptions of in-group and out-group empathy) at three time points, spaced at 3-monthly intervals. The final sample comprised 182 participants at T1, 91 at T2 and 75 at T3. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses were used to test all hypotheses. Results The integration of a VH social identity was strongly associated with better psychological wellbeing at T1. Identity integration was also associated with static wellbeing scores at 6 months. Effects on wellbeing were not accounted for by either severity of voice-hearing or paranoia. Whilst perceptions of in-group empathy were associated with VH social identification, perceptions of outgroup empathy were important for identity integration. Conclusions Integrating a VH social identity with other important identities into a coherent sense of self is important for wellbeing in voice hearers; perceived in-group and outgroup empathy are important in this process

Subjective cognitive complaints in schizophrenia:relation to antipsychotic medication dose, actual cognitive performance, insight and symptoms

Background: Subjective cognitive complaints are prevalent in those affected by functional psychoses and a variety of possible associated factors have been investigated. However, few studies have examined these potential factors within single studies or analyses. Methods: Patients with a history of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (n = 115) and a non-clinical comparison group (n = 45) completed the Subjective Scale to Investigate Cognition in Schizophrenia (SSTICS) and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). The patient group also completed the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS), the Birchwood Insight Scale (IS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The BACS and SSTICS scores were associated in the non-clinical comparison group, but not in the patient group. In the patient group worse subjective cognition was associated positively with good insight, greater dysphoria and greater positive symptoms. Linear regression revealed that, once other variables had been accounted for, dysphoria (HADS anxiety and depression factor) was the only significant predictor of SSTICS scores. Conclusions: Subjective cognitive impairment in patients with psychosis in the absence of formal testing should not be taken as evidence of impaired cognitive functioning. Mood should be investigated when patients present with subjective cognitive complaints

Should Sputum Smear Examination Be Carried Out at the End of the Intensive Phase and End of Treatment in Sputum Smear Negative Pulmonary TB Patients?

The Indian guidelines on following up sputum smear-negative Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients differ from the current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in that the former recommends two follow up sputum examinations (once at the end of intensive phase and the other at the end of treatment) while the latter recommends only one follow up sputum smear microscopy examination, which is done at the end of the intensive phase. This study was conducted to examine if there was any added value in performing an additional sputum smear examination at the end of treatment within the context of a national TB program

The Impact of Causal Explanations on Outcome in People Experiencing Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Findings suggest that the way an individual understands their experiences has important consequences on subsequent health behaviour. One aspect of an individual's understanding is what they believe has caused their experiences. This has been associated with treatment outcome and attitudes towards mental health problems. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the impact of causal beliefs on treatment outcome and stigma in people experiencing psychosis. Three main databases were searched and 21 articles that investigated various aspects of treatment outcome, and stigma in relation to causal beliefs was included in the review. Overall, there were a small number of replicated findings which limits the interpretation of results. There is an indication that causal explanations are associated with various treatment outcomes, including attitudes towards treatment and satisfaction with therapeutic relationships as well as internalized stigma. Spiritual beliefs appeared to be adopted as a coping mechanism and a way to reduce stigma but did not appear to be associated with treatment outcome. Individuals with psychosis do appear to develop causal beliefs that may be associated with engagement with services and treatment, as well as impacting on their attitudes towards themselves and others with mental illness