Stigmatization and knowledge of anorexia nervosa

Purpose To further understand the stigma, attitudes towards, and recognition of Anorexia Nervosa (AN), the current study utilized both stigma and mental health literacy methodology. This study also included another psychological disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD) and a normal, lonely female (C) as comparison conditions. Methods Male (291) and female (576) undergraduate students read a vignette describing one of the conditions. Participants then rated the vignettes on general personality characteristics, condition recognition, perceived seriousness and need for treatment. Results Many of the participants could not correctly identify AN. However, both AN and MDD were stigmatized. Although AN was rated as being very driven and disciplined, there was recognition that treatment was warranted. Familiarity with the conditions did not impact ratings. Conclusions Continued efforts to reduce the stigma of AN and subsequent treatment seeking are warranted. The normal, lonely condition also being rated somewhat negatively highlights the need to include comparison conditions in stigma studies.