Antipsychotics side effects' influence on stigma of mental illness: focus group study results.

BACKGROUND Little research was done on the influence of antipsychotics' side effects on stigma of mental illness. An overview of studies shows that people with mental illness state that because of medication side effects they feel discriminated in the field of employment, observe worsening of family relations and tend to skip or discontinue their regular medication. It is difficult to discriminate between stigmatizing effects of antipsychotics and other stigma related factors such as illness symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A focus group of ten patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with severe and remitting mental illness treated with antipsychotic medication was conducted to obtain their personal views on how side effects of antipsychotic drugs affect their everyday lives and contribute to the stigmatization because of mental illness. RESULTS The patients felt most stigmatized in areas of employment and occupation. They repeatedly skipped or discontinued regular medication due to side effects. Their families supported them throughout treatment and recovery despite problems associated with psychotropic medication. CONCLUSION Medication induced stigma affects patients' lives in substantial ways and therefore merits further research, part of which is the patients' personal experience.