Stigma as an Obstacle to Paradigm Change in Mental Health Care in Lithuania

Abstract

The paper is based on the data gathered during implementation of the “Project paradigm change of mental health and Well-being in Lithuania: towards empirically valid model”. This project is aimed to contribute to the paradigmatic change by scientific research and evaluation of efficacy of pharmaceutical and psychotherapeutical treatment to psychological and social functioning and to estimate economic burden of treatment and mental diseases. Aim of the research is to analyse stigma as an obstacle for transition from biomedical to bio-psycho-social paradigm. Objectives are as follows: to evaluate manifestations of stigma in mental health care from the point of view of different experts; to discuss influence of stigma on different levels of mental health care; to identify consequences of stigma to mental health care reform. A qualitative experts’ research was implemented in order to reveal professional discourse around stigmatization of mental health and consequences of this phenomenon to mental health care reform. Research data reveal the strong prevalence of stigma on all levels mental health care. Individuals with psychosocial disabilities tend to choose medication instead of psychotherapy. Under influence of stigma, they prefer rapid daily consumption of medication as a substitute to active participation in the process of treatment. Politicians are influenced by stigmatizing attitudes in the society towards individuals with psychosocial disabilities, the persisting pressure to isolate them in closed facilities. Under influence of stigma, the process of reform lingers or obtains a shape reverse to a modern transformation.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.