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Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, alcohol and other drug disorders and stigma and discrimination

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Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, alcohol and other drug disorders and stigma and discrimination

People who live with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders experience high rates of stigma and discriminations across a range of life domains.

Although these disorders have been shown to frequently co-occur, little is known about how experiences of stigma and discrimination differ between people who live with single vs dual diagnoses of each.

The research

The aim of this PhD is to compare how Australians living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – both with and without co-occurring AOD use disorders – experience stigma and discrimination in their relationships, and how these experiences are informed by public stereotypes.

A series of surveys involving both people who have lived experience of these mental health issues and members of the general public will be conducted to explore these questions.

This PhD began in June 2020 as part of the National Stigma Report Card project, which is led by SANE in partnership with the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, with the support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

Expected Outcomes

The findings of this PhD will support efforts to better understand the experiences of people living with dual diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum and AOD use disorders, as well as helping to inform related stigma reduction efforts.

Team Members

    • Beth Hobern
      PhD Student, University of Melbourne
      Research Assistant, Telehealth and Stigma Lab – Brain and Mental Health Hub, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
    • Dr Michelle Blanchard
      Former Deputy CEO, SANE and Director, Anne Deveson Research Centre
      Special Adviser, National Mental Health Commission
      Honorary Senior Fellow, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
    • Dr Christopher Groot
      Research Lead, National Stigma Report Card
      Director, Telehealth and Stigma Lab – Brain and Mental Health Hub, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
    • Dr Imogen Rehm
      Research Fellow, National Stigma Report Card
      Honorary Fellow, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
Last updated: 6 May 2021

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