Stigmatization and internalized stigmatization on bipolar disorder patients and their relatives

Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness which progresses in recurring periods and requires continuous treatment. Relatives of patients stigmatize the patient because of disorder at work, in family and at social life. One of the most serious problem that the patient encounters is the feeling of stigmatization. The present study aims to identify the correlation between the stigma levels of relatives and internalized stigmatization of patients who apply Mental Health and Illness Department Mood Disorders Unit and diagnosed with BD in remission period. The present study samples comprised in Gaziantep University, Şahinbey Research and Practice Hospital Psychiatry Department Mood Disorder Units' 45 BD patients who met the study requirements and one of their relatives. This research was applied between the dates of January,1 2013 and June, 1 2013. For data purposes; patient Socio Demographic Information Form and The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) was applied to the patients and patients' relatives Socio Demographic Information Form, Social Distance Scale, Scale of Characteristics, Emotional Reaction Scale, Proficiency Rating Scale and Dangerousness Scale was applied to the relatives of patients. Data Mean, Standard Deviation, Independent Groups t Test, One Way Variance Analysis (ANOVA) and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used to evaluate the data. On the Estrangement level of patients and Emotional Reaction Scale of the relatives of patients; there is a statistical significant correlation at the middle level and negative aspect (p<0.05). On the level of resistance against stigmatization and the Characteristics Scale of the relatives of patients; there is a statistical significant correlation at the middle level and positive aspect (p<0.05). When patients' relatives think that their patients have a positive emotional response, the level of patients' alienation decreases. When patients' relatives think that their patients have the negative characteristics behaviors, patients' level of resistence against stigmatization increases.