Viewpoint survey of mental health service users' experiences of discrimination in England 2008-2014.

OBJECTIVE

Discrimination reported by mental health service users in England is high. The study aims to determine changes in mental health-related discrimination from 2008 to 2014.

METHODS

Samples of mental health service users were interviewed from 2008 to 2014 using the Discrimination and Stigma Scale version 12. Social capital in terms of access to social resources is a marker of discrimination in terms of effects on social connections, and so from 2011, social capital also measured using the Resource Generator-UK.

RESULTS

Fewer participants reported discrimination in one or more life areas in 2014 compared to 2008 (OR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.94 P = 0.03). A weighted multiple regression model found a decrease in overall discrimination in 2014 compared to 2008 (mean difference: -13.55, 95% CI: -17.32 to -9.78, P < 0.001). There was not a consistent in discrimination decline between each year. No differences in access to social resources were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Discrimination has fallen significantly over 2008-2014, although there was not a consistent decline between years. There is no evidence that social capital has increased.