The economic impact of mental health stigma and discrimination: a systematic review

Abstract

People with mental illness face stigma and discrimination in a variety of settings which can have an economic impact.

Aim: The aim of this paper was to identify literature on the economic impact of mental illness stigma.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature identified 30 papers from 27 studies by searching electronic databases and hand searching reference lists.

Results: Mental illness stigma/discrimination was found to impact negatively on employment, income, public views about resource allocation and healthcare costs.

Conclusions: Stigma and discrimination regarding mental health problems lead to adverse economic effects for people with these conditions. Interventions that reduce stigma may therefore also be economically beneficial.