[Stigma of "madness" from fate to recovery].

Abstract

Stigma is a "natural" social reaction, partly unconscious and automatic towards "different" and "vulnerable" populations. Suspicion of danger, unemployment, excluded from society, locked in hospital, assaulted or killed are the possible consequences of mental disorders' stigma. Despite advances in psychiatric treatments, the stigma of the "madness" remains a barrier to access to recovery. The stigmatization process is more complex than simple labeling, and leads to discrimination and loss of social power. Understanding the mechanisms of stigmatization can determine targets for effective interventions to fight stigma at the individual, institutional and political levels. The roles of patient ..