Controversies in Psychiatry

Question 1

What is a stigma?

Answer 1

A social construction that devalues people due to a distinguishing characteristic or mark

Question 2

What is discrimination?

Answer 2

The actual behavior towards another group. It involves excluding or restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to other groups

Question 3

What is prejudice?

Answer 3

A prejudgment: i.e. an assumption made about someone or something before having adequate knowledge to be able to do so with guaranteed accuracy

Question 4

What are the typical features of a stigma?

Answer 4

Attitudes develop early in childhood
Stable over many years
Influenced by personal experience
Older males, less education

Question 5

What are 2 examples of anti psychiatry movements?

Answer 5

RD Liang

Thomas Szasz

Question 6

What are some areas of psychiatry that have been involved in controversy?

Answer 6

Diagnosis 
Social control 
Treatment without consent 
Rising rates of antidepressant prescription 
Security 
Detention

Question 7

What are the possible methods of reducing stigma?

Answer 7

National campaigns
Influence of celebrities
Good medication management
Consider own attitudes and awareness (disrespectful language/jokes)
CBT approach to help overcome “said” stigma