Self-stigma in psychiatry: ethical and bio-psycho-social perspectives

Self-stigma is an altered perception of an individual regarding his/her person, which discredits him/her as a member of the community. This is also an ethical concept with many connotations, which is generated by the "internalization" of social stigma and leads to several negative consequences like self-efficiency alteration, reduced self-esteem or decreasing the adherence to treatment. Relatively few authors have studied this issue, although self-stigma severely affects the quality of life, social adaptation, and evolution of the main disease. In this context, we will try to review some of the main knowledge regarding self-stigma, including some of its causes and biopsycho- social implications. Moreover, this paper is intended to inform the public and raise awareness about this important issue.