Reducing the Stigma of Mental Illness: A Report from a Global Association

The stigma attached to mental illness is the main obstacle to better mental health care and a better quality of life for patients, their families and the community as a whole. In 1996, the WPA began an international programme to fight the stigma and discrimination because of schizophrenia. The 'Open the Doors' program has since been implemented in more than 20 countries and involved roughly 200 different anti-stigma interventions. This book details the results of these efforts internationally and provides recommendations and guidance for those seeking to join this international effort or start similar efforts to dispel stigma and discrimination.