Psychiatrists’ labeling practices may be desensitizing the public

The labeling paradox: Stigma, the sick role, and social networks in mental illness

From Journal of Health & Social Behavior

Does the growing number of psychiatric disorder diagnoses have an effect on people with mental illnesses? According to this study, as definitions of mental illnesses become broader, people who show signs of depression and other common mental illnesses are less likely to evoke a supportive response from friends and family members as are people with other severe mental disorders.

The author studied interviews conducted with 165 individuals with a range of mental health disorders, who were undergoing treatment for the first time. She found that those with more socially-accepted and commonplace mental illnesses, such as depression and mild mood disorders, did not receive strong reactions to their conditions from family members, friends, or others with whom they came in contact. As a result, their support networks may be less willing to take on caregiver responsibilities or to excuse them when their behavior deviates from what is considered normal. This study also found that diagnosing someone with a severe mental illness that is more outwardly recognizable such as schizophrenia and the manic phase of bipolar disorder can lead to a higher amount of rejection and discrimination by acquaintances and strangers while at the same time creating a stronger social support system among close friends and family.

Nut allergy sufferers face prejudice

A qualitative study of families of a child with a nut allergy

From Chronic Illness

Parents of nut-allergy sufferers face hostility and scepticism in trying to find safe environments for their children. Researchers in this study found that parents are routinely made to feel by friends and even family that their child’s nut allergy is a ‘frivolous and self indulgent fad invented and maintained by attention-seeking people.’ The research revealed how found that children suffering from potentially deadly nut allergies often struggle with negative attitudes and unhelpful food labelling. Families were interviewed about the techniques and strategies they use to cope in various situations. Nut allergy was a source of ongoing anxiety for families, who can find themselves socially isolated and excluded. The findings point to a need to raise awareness of the dangers associated with nut allergy and also calls for improvement in food production and labelling to help families and children maintain a safe environment and reduce stress and difficulties