Mental Health-Related Stigma in China

Abstract

Objective: The past decade has been marked by a significant increase in information on stigma associated with mental disorders, but these findings have yet to be applied extensively to mental health services in China. The objective of this study was to conduct a narrative review of studies relating to stigma toward mental illness in China.

Methods: A critical search of scientific papers was conducted in the PubMed, CNKI, and WANFANG databases. The search included articles published from January 2001 to April 2016.

Results: Forty-two studies were evaluated and arranged into the following category groups: general public, health professionals, medical students, family members and caregivers, and people with mental disorders.

Conclusion: We identified some results similar to those reported in foreign settings. However, some noteworthy findings concerning the stigma of health professionals, medical students, and family members towards people with mental disorders in China should be the focus of further research. Interventions designed to reduce mental health-related stigma may benefit from considering cultural influences exhibited by the Chinese population.