Interventions to Reduce the Stigma Associated With Severe Mental Illness: Experiences From the Open the Doors Program in Germany

Stigma associated with mental illness and psychiatric treatment and the discrimination toward people with mental illnesses that frequently results from this are main obstacles preventing early and successful treatment. To reduce such stigma and discrimination, especially toward people with schizophrenia, the World Psychiatric Association antistigma program Open the Doors is currently being implemented in 27 countries. Since August 1999, the campaign has been executed in 7 project centres in Germany. Public information programs and educative measures aimed at selected target groups should improve the public's knowledge regarding symptomatology, causes, and treatment options for schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorders. Improved knowledge should in turn abolish prejudice and negative perceptions and facilitate the social reintegration of those suffering from mental illness. (Can J Psychiatry 2003; 48: 657-662)