Attitude of doctors towards mentally ill in Hyderabad, India: Results of a prospective survey

BACKGROUND: Wide prevalence of mental illness has been documented in South India; however, the magnitude of stigma is unclear. AIMS: The aim was to investigate the magnitude of stigma prevalent among medical professionals in Hyderabad, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective survey of seven common psychiatric disorders for eight specified perceptions was conducted. Responses of 226 out of 250 (90%) doctors were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant overall negative perception (P < 0.001), with drug addiction (52.8%) and alcoholism (48.2%) eliciting most negative perceptions (Chi-square: P <0.05) was observed. Significant negative perceptions were also seen among married doctors and those with < 10 years experience. Even though, there was no overall difference based on gender (P = 0.242), more females had significant negative perception toward eating disorders, depression, dementia, alcoholism and schizophrenic patients (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed negative attitude of doctors toward mentally ill and highlighted the gender difference in perceptions.